A compound is any substance composed of two or more elements that are chemically bonded. There are many types of compounds, including ionic and molecular. While they share some similarities, there are several key differences between these two types of compounds. In this blog post, we’ll explore those differences and help you determine which type of compound is right for your project.
What is Ionic Compound?
An ionic compound is a chemical compound consisting of an electrically charged group of atoms or molecules. Ionic compounds are formed when one atom or molecule loses an electron to another atom or molecule. This transfer of electrons creates oppositely charged ions that are attracted to each other and held together by electrostatic forces. Ionic compounds typically have high melting and boiling points due to the strong electrostatic forces between their ions. Ionic compounds that are dissolved in water typically conduct electricity because their ions are free to move about in the solution. Ionic compounds can be found in nature, but many are also man-made. Common examples of ionic compounds include table salt (sodium chloride), baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), and calcium carbonate (the active ingredient in Tums).
What is Molecular Compound?
A molecular compound is a compound whose molecules are held together by electrostatic attraction. These molecules can be either polar or non-polar. Molecular compounds are generally relatively insoluble in water, but they can be soluble in other solvents. Many common substances, such as table sugar and household ammonia, are molecular compounds. Molecular compounds can be either covalent or ionic. Covalent molecular compounds are held together by covalent bonds, while ionic molecular compounds are held together by ionic bonds. Molecular compounds can be either organic or inorganic. Organic molecular compounds contain carbon, while inorganic molecular compounds do not. Molecular compounds can be either natural or man-made. Natural molecular compounds occur naturally in the environment, while man-made molecular compounds are created in laboratories.
Difference between Ionic and Molecular Compound
Ionic and molecular compounds are both types of chemical compounds, but they differ in their structure and properties. Ionic compounds are made up of ions, which are atoms that have gained or lost electrons. As a result, ionic compounds tend to be electrically charged. In contrast, molecular compounds are made up of molecules, which are groups of atoms held together by chemical bonds. Because they don’t contain any charged particles, molecular compounds are typically neutral. Ionic compounds tend to be brittle and have high melting and boiling points, while molecular compounds are usually softer and have lower melting and boiling points. Ionic compounds also conduct electricity when dissolved in water, but molecular compounds do not. These differences arise from the different ways that ionic and molecular compounds interact with each other. Ionic interactions are much stronger than molecular interactions, so ionic compounds tend to be more stable than molecular compounds.
Conclusion
Although ionic and molecular compounds may look very similar, they have important differences that can affect how they are used in everyday life. By understanding the difference between these two types of compounds, you can make better choices about which ones to use in your own work.
