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C. Solubility

In general, covalent compounds are insoluble in water, but easily soluble in
organic solvents. Organic solvents are carbon compounds, such as gasoline,

kerosene, alcohol and acetone. However, there are some covalent compounds that
can dissolve in water due to reactions with water (hydration) and form ions. For

example, sulfuric acid when dissolved in water forms hydrogen ions and sulfate

ions. Covalent compounds that can dissolve in water are hereinafter referred to as
polar covalent compounds, while covalent compounds that are insoluble in water

are referred to as non-polar covalent compounds.

Figure. Process of mixing solvent and solute

D. Electrical Conductivity
In general, covalent compounds in various forms cannot conduct electricity or are

non-electrolytes, except for polar covalent compounds. This is because polar
covalent compounds contain ions when dissolved in water and these compounds

are weak electrolyte compounds. The following is a picture of the difference

between non electrolyte compounds, weak electrolytes and strong electrolytes.

Figure. Solution of strong electrolytes, weak electrolytes, and non-electrolytes.

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