* Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂): This is actually an ionic compound, but it can exist in a covalent form in the gas phase.
* Magnesium oxide (MgO): This is also typically ionic but exhibits some covalent character due to the high electronegativity difference between magnesium and oxygen.
* Magnesium nitride (Mg₃N₂): This compound is ionic but has some covalent character.
* Magnesium hydride (MgH₂): This compound is mostly ionic but has some covalent character, making it a useful hydrogen storage material.
Covalent compounds of magnesium with nonmetals:
* Magnesium bromide (MgBr₂): A covalent compound in the gas phase.
* Magnesium iodide (MgI₂): A covalent compound in the gas phase.
* Magnesium sulfide (MgS): A covalent compound in the gas phase, but it exhibits some ionic character in the solid state.
* Magnesium selenide (MgSe): A covalent compound in the gas phase.
* Magnesium telluride (MgTe): A covalent compound in the gas phase.
It's important to note that the covalent character of these compounds is generally weak. Magnesium is a highly electropositive element, and its electronegativity difference with most nonmetals is significant, leading to primarily ionic bonding.
However, under certain conditions, like in the gas phase or in certain chemical reactions, the covalent character of these compounds can become more prominent.
