* H2X: Covalent Bonding The fact that H2X forms discrete covalent molecules tells us that X is a nonmetal. Covalent bonds occur between nonmetals.
* Determining the Valence of X Since hydrogen always forms a single bond, the X atom must be forming two bonds in H2X. This means X has a valence of 2 (it needs two electrons to complete its octet).
* Fluorine's Valence Fluorine is a halogen and always forms a single bond, having a valence of 1.
* The Fluoride Formula To satisfy the valences, we need two fluorine atoms to bond with one X atom.
Therefore, the molecular formula of the fluoride compound is XF2.
