BIOWEB
nverdae@nvcc.edu
Emma Erdahl, Associate Professor of Biology
Northern Virginia Community College
Revised 8/23/00
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The bonds in organic molecules are usually covalent bonds because carbon atoms tend to share electrons. Ionic bonds are created when electron(s) are transferred from one atom to another atom. This usually happens when the difference in electron affinity (pulling power for electrons) of the atoms in the molecule is very different. Covalent bonds are formed when electrons are shared between atoms. Since carbon atoms have 4 electrons in their outer shell, they have an intermediate affinity for electrons. Thus, carbon atoms tend to share electrons to achieve a filled outer shell.
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