Each element in this grouping includes two electrons in its outer shell, which means that most often they form ionic bonds. Beryllium is the exception, and it often forms covalent bonds.

Is beryllium a covalent or ionic bond?

Why isn't beryllium chloride ionic? Beryllium has quite a high electronegativity compared with the rest of the Group. That means that it attracts a bonding pair of electrons towards itself more strongly than magnesium and the rest do. In order for an ionic bond to form, the beryllium has to let go of its electrons.

What type of bonding is beryllium?

Metallic bonding occurs between the atoms of metal elements - Lithium, Beryllium, Sodium, Magnesium, Aluminium and Calcium. The outer electrons are delocalised (free to move). This produces an electrostatic force of attraction between the positive metal ions and the negative delocalised electrons.