Why do covalent bonds have an odor?

Answer 1

Odor is not typical of covalent bonds.

I think you meant "why do covalent compounds have an odor?". Not all covalent compounds can be smelled. Only gases can be smelled. If something doesn't produce gas, we can't smell it. Often a solid or liquid will produce traces of vapor, which can be smelled. But it is impossible to smell ionic compounds, since they do not produce vapor.

Answer 2

Covalent bonds themselves do not have an odor. However, the molecules formed through covalent bonding can have specific shapes and functional groups that interact with receptors in our noses, triggering a sensation of smell. Odor molecules can be sensed because of their chemical structure and their ability to bind to specific receptors in our olfactory system.

Answer 3

Because the inter molecular bonds of covalent molecules are weaker than the bonds between ionic. This results in some of the covalent molecules floating away.

Answer 4

because mcclure said it does :)