Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten (liquid) or in aqueous solution (dissolved in water), because their ions are free to move from place to place. Ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity when solid, as their ions are held in fixed positions and cannot move.

Do ionic bonds conduct electricity?

Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in solid state as the ions are not free to move. Ionic compounds conduct as liquids or when in solution as the ions are free to move.

Can ionic or covalent conduct electricity?

Although solid ionic compounds do not conduct electricity because there are no free mobile ions or electrons, ionic compounds dissolved in water make an electrically conductive solution. In contrast, covalent compounds do not exhibit any electrical conductivity, either in pure form or when dissolved in water.