Monovalent Definition:

The term Monovalent is used to describe any atom that can form 1 bond i.e. it has a valency of +1 or -1.

Monovalent Explained:

• Monovalent elements like hydrogen and chlorine have a valency of +1 and -1 respectively.

A quick cheat is to look at the periodic table to identify the valency. All elements in group 1 have a valency of +1 while all elements in group 7 have a valency of -1.

• We can also have monovalent functional groups. Examples include the tertiary amine group (R3N), the amino group (−NR’R).