We explain what a metallic bond is, what its different properties are and some examples of this chemical bond.
What is a metallic bond?
Metallic bonds are, as their name indicates, a type of chemical bond that It occurs only between atoms of the same metallic element. Thanks to this type of bond, metals achieve extremely compact, solid and resistant molecular structures, given that the nuclei of their atoms are brought together to such an extent that they share their valence electrons.
In the case of metallic bonds, what happens with the valence electrons is that they abandon their orbits around the atomic nucleus when it joins another, and remain around both nuclei as a kind of electronic cloud. In this way the positive and negative charges maintain their attraction, firmly holding the atomic set and reaching important margins of hardness, compaction and durability which are typical of bar metals.
We can say that the metallic bond constitutes a very strong atomic bond typical of metal atoms of the same species. It is important not to confuse metallic bonding with alloys, which are homogeneous mixtures of different metals, or metals and other elements.
This type of bond should not be confused with ionic bonds (metal-non-metal) or covalent bonds (non-metal-non-metal), although they share certain functional features with the latter, since the atoms involved exchange the electrons in their shell. of valence.
See also: Non-metals
Properties of a metallic bond
Many of the typical properties of metals are due to metallic bonds, such as its solidity, its hardness, and even its malleability and ductility. The good conduction of heat and electricity of metals, in fact, is due to the particular arrangement of the electrons in the form of a cloud around the nuclei, which allows their mobility throughout the whole. Even the luster of metals is due to this, since this type of bond repels almost all the light energy that hits them, that is, they shine.
Atoms linked by metallic bonds usually also organize themselves into hexagonal, cubic, or concrete geometric shaped structures. The only exception is mercury, which despite being a metal, is liquid at room temperature and forms perfectly round and shiny drops.
Examples of metallic bond
Metallic bonds are the basis of the world of metals, so any pure metallic element is a perfect example of this. That is, any pure fragment of: silver (Ag), gold (Au), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), platinum (Pt), aluminum ( Al), gallium (Ga), titanium (Ti), palladium (Pd), lead (Pb), iridium (Ir) or cobalt (Co), as long as it is not mixed with other metals and elements, it will be held together by bonds metallic.
References
- “Principles of Chemistry: The Paths of Discovery” by Atkins, Peter; Jones, Loretta. Pan-American Medical Ed. (2006). ISBN 9789500600804
