abstract
- Relaxing the restriction that valence can only adopt integer values removes the distinction between ionic and covalent bonds, resulting in a simple and powerful valence theory using the concept of the bonding strength of an element, defined as the ratio of its atomic valence to its average coordination number. Bonding strength, closely related to electronegativity, determines which atoms form stable bonds and the chemical properties of the resulting compounds of both organic and inorganic compounds.