So, Is O2 ionic or covalent? O2 is a covalent molecule because each oxygen atom needs two valence electrons to complete its octet. To meet this need, each oxygen atom shares two of its electrons with the other oxygen forming a strong oxygen-oxygen double shared covalent bond.

Is O2 covalent?

For starters, since the electrons would be evenly distributed between the two oxygen atoms, molecular oxygen (O2) is nonpolar. These materials similarly divide the electrons with the atoms of carbon and hydrogen, forming a non-polar covalent molecule.

Is O2 ionic or covalent or metallic bond?

An oxygen molecule (O2) is a good example of a molecule with a covalent bond. Ionic bonds occur when electrons are donated from one atom to another. Table salt (NaCl) is a common example of a compound with an ionic bond. You may also learn about a third type of bond.

An atom either loses or gains one or more electrons to form an ion. Each electron carries a charge of −1 whereas each proton within the atomic nucleus carries a charge of +1 . An electrically-neutral oxygen atom gains two electrons to form an oxygen ion with two negative charges.