CO is a covalent compound because when one nonmetal combines with another nonmetal, it usually forms a covalent compound. Here, C is a nonmetal and O is also a nonmetal. So when they combine, it forms a covalent compound.
Well, now you have got to know that CO (Carbon monoxide) is a covalent compound, but let me explain the in-depth reason why CO is a covalent compound.
If you are a visual learner like me, then here is a short one minute video for you.
Why is CO a Covalent compound?
As mentioned above, you can simply remember that when the nonmetal combines with another nonmetal, the bond between them is a covalent bond.
Here in CO, the C atom is a nonmetal and the O atom is also a nonmetal.
Hence the bond between them is a covalent bond.
How does the covalent bond form between C and O?
In CO, there are two atoms;
C and O.
About Carbon (C):
Carbon atom have 6 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Carbon (C) is 2, 4.
So the outermost orbit of Carbon atom has 4 electrons.
Now in order to achieve a stable octet, the Carbon atom needs 4 more electrons.
Hence during the chemical reaction, the Carbon atom will gain 4 electrons from the combining atom to form a stable octet.
About Oxygen (O):
Oxygen atom have 8 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Oxygen (O) is 2, 6.
So the outermost orbit of Oxygen atom has 6 electrons.
Now in order to achieve a stable octet, the Oxygen atom needs 2 more electrons.
Hence during the chemical reaction, the Oxygen atom will gain 2 electrons from the combining atom to form a stable octet.
What happens when C and O combine?
When C and O combine with each other, the Carbon atom shares 2 electrons and the Oxygen atom shares 4 electrons with each other.
Because of this the carbon atom will have 8 electrons in its outermost orbit and similarly the oxygen atom will also have 8 electrons in its outermost orbit.
As a result, the carbon atom as well as oxygen atom will have a stable octet.
And finally, as the bond formed between the carbon and oxygen is due to the mutual sharing of electrons, it is considered a covalent bond.
Thus, CO is a covalent compound.
I hope you have understood the reason why CO is a covalent compound.
Check out other compounds to see whether they are ionic or covalent;
Is HF (Hydrogen fluoride) Ionic or Covalent?
Is CS2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is Na2CO3 Ionic or Covalent?
Is N2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is NaF Ionic or Covalent?
Jay is an educator and has helped more than 100,000 students in their studies by providing simple and easy explanations on different science-related topics. With a desire to make learning accessible for everyone, he founded Knords Learning, an online learning platform that provides students with easily understandable explanations.
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