Question

Is $\mathrm{MgO}$ a covalent bond compound?

Answer 1

Explanation:

1. Covalent Bond- Covalent bond is formed by the sharing of electrons. For example- ${\mathrm{CH}}_4$ molecule is covalently bonded as four hydrogen atoms attached to a carbon atom and the electronegativity difference is not quite large.
2. As carbon has four electrons in its outermost orbital so carbon can share four-electron to form a covalent bond.
3. In $\mathrm{MgO}$ there is a large difference in electronegativity between magnesium and oxygen. So they form an ionic bond in place of covalent bonds.

Hence, magnesium oxide is not a covalent bond compound.