- Ionic bonds: it is an intramolecular bond, so it takes place between atoms. The principal characteristic of ionic bonds is that they have a strong electronegativity difference between the atoms that form it. This is the case when a metallic element bonds with a nonmetallic element, for example: sodium chloride (NaCl).
- Nonpolar covalent bonds: it is also an intramolecular bond. In this case, both atoms that bonds are nonmetallic and the electronegativity is tiny. For example: hydrogen (H2).
- Polar covalent bonds: it is also an intramolecular bond and both atoms that bonds are nonmetallic. In this case, there is a difference of electronegatity that is less than in a ionic bond, but greater than in a nonpolar covalent bond. For example: carbon dioxide (CO2).
- Hydrogen bonds: it is an intermolecular bond, so it takes place between molecules. The principal characteristic is that it occurs when a hydrogen atom (that it is bonded to a nitrogen, oxygen or fluorine atom) bonds with another atom of nitrogen, oxygen or fluorine that it is in another molecule. For example: water (H2O).