Are metalloids ionic or covalent

Answer 1

Well a good way of finding out is the check the electro-negativity between a non-metal and metalloid. I know that if the electro negativity is above 1.7 than it's an ionic compound, if it's below it's covalent.

In this example I'll use silicon and sulfur.

Si--------------S

1.8 2.5

E(S-Si)=2.5-1.8=0.7

It appears that silicon and sulfur would most likely form an covalent compound.

Therefore metalloid when put with non-metals will most likely form covalent compound.

I hope this helps :)

Frank

Answer 2

Metalloids can exhibit both ionic and covalent bonding characteristics, depending on the specific element and the other elements it is bonding with. They typically show properties of both metals and nonmetals, allowing for a range of bonding possibilities.