What characterizes covalent compounds?

Covalent compounds are characterized by the sharing of electrons between atoms, which leads to the formation of neutral molecules. This sharing occurs primarily between nonmetals, resulting in compounds that do not have a net charge. Since the electrons are shared rather than transferred, the molecules remain neutral overall.

In contrast, the transfer of electrons is indicative of ionic compounds, which involve the formation of charged ions. Ionic compounds typically exist in a lattice structure rather than as individual neutral molecules. Additionally, many covalent compounds do not conduct electricity when dissolved in water, as they do not produce ions that can move freely in the solution.

Thus, the defining feature of covalent compounds is that they exist as neutral molecules formed through the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.