Divalent Definition:
The term Divalent is used to describe any atom that can form 2 bonds i.e. it has a valency of +2 or -2.
Divalent Explained:
- Divalent elements like oxygen and sulfur that have a valency of -2.
A quick cheat is to look at the periodic table to identify the valency. All elements in group 2 have a valency of +2 while all elements in group 6 have a valency of -2.
- We can also have divalent functional groups. Examples include the carbonyl group (=O), the imine group (=NH).