What type of electron is available to form bonds?

The type of electron that is available to form bonds is the valence electron. Valence electrons are found in the outermost shell of an atom and are responsible for the chemical properties of the element. These electrons can be shared, gained, or lost during chemical reactions, allowing atoms to bond with one another to form molecules.

The behavior of valence electrons is crucial in determining how an element interacts with others; for example, elements with similar numbers of valence electrons typically exhibit similar chemical properties. In covalent bonding, atoms share valence electrons to achieve full outer shells, often leading to more stable configurations. In ionic bonding, one atom may transfer valence electrons to another, resulting in the formation of positively and negatively charged ions that attract each other.

Consequently, the focus on valence electrons in the formation of chemical bonds highlights their significance in molecular and compound formation, making them the primary force behind chemical reactivity and interaction between atoms.