* Covalent Bonding: Sulfuric acid is formed by covalent bonds. This means that the atoms share electrons to form the molecule.

* Hydrogen Bonding: The hydrogen atoms in sulfuric acid are attached to highly electronegative oxygen atoms. This creates strong hydrogen bonds between molecules of sulfuric acid.

* High Acidity: Sulfuric acid's high acidity is a result of the strong covalent bonds within the molecule and its ability to donate protons (H+ ions).

In contrast, ionic compounds:

* Are formed by electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.

* Have a metal and a nonmetal component.

* Often dissolve in water to form ions.

While sulfuric acid is highly polar and can form ions in solution, it is inherently a covalent compound.