What type of bonding occurs when halogens form molecular compounds?

When halogens form molecular compounds, they predominantly engage in covalent bonding. Covalent bonding occurs when two non-metal atoms share pairs of electrons to achieve a full outer shell and attain stability. Halogens, which are non-metals, readily form covalent bonds with themselves and other non-metals. For example, when chlorine (a halogen) combines with another chlorine atom, they share electrons to form chlorine gas (Cl₂). This sharing of electrons is a defining characteristic of covalent bonds.

In contrast, ionic bonding involves the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, typically between metals and non-metals, resulting in the formation of charged ions that are held together by electrostatic forces. Metallic bonding involves the pooling of electrons among a lattice of metal atoms, resulting in conductivity and malleability. Lastly, hydrogen bonding is a type of intermolecular interaction that occurs between molecules with polar bonds, such as water, rather than within the formation of molecular compounds.

Thus, the nature of halogen interactions in molecular compounds is best described by covalent bonding due to the sharing of electrons between non-metal atoms.