Ionic Compound vs. Molecular Compound

Attribute	Ionic Compound	Molecular Compound
Composition	Formed by the combination of positively and negatively charged ions	Formed by the combination of non-metal atoms
Bonding	Formed by ionic bonds	Formed by covalent bonds
State at room temperature	Solid	Can be solid, liquid, or gas
Melting point	High melting point	Lower melting point compared to ionic compounds
Conductivity	Conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted	Do not conduct electricity in general

Introduction

Chemical compounds are classified into two main categories: ionic compounds and molecular compounds. These compounds differ in their chemical bonding, physical properties, and behavior. Understanding the attributes of each type of compound is crucial for predicting their properties and reactions.

Chemical Bonding

Ionic compounds are formed through the transfer of electrons between atoms. This results in the formation of positively charged cations and negatively charged anions, which are held together by electrostatic forces. In contrast, molecular compounds are formed through the sharing of electrons between atoms, leading to the formation of covalent bonds. These bonds are characterized by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms.

Physical Properties

One of the key differences between ionic and molecular compounds lies in their physical properties. Ionic compounds tend to have high melting and boiling points due to the strong electrostatic forces holding the ions together. In contrast, molecular compounds have lower melting and boiling points because the intermolecular forces between molecules are weaker than the forces between ions in ionic compounds.

Solubility

Another important distinction between ionic and molecular compounds is their solubility in water. Ionic compounds are often soluble in water because water molecules can surround and solvate the charged ions, allowing them to dissociate and form a solution. Molecular compounds, on the other hand, may or may not be soluble in water depending on their polarity and intermolecular forces.

Conductivity

Due to their charged nature, ionic compounds are good conductors of electricity when dissolved in water or melted. The ions are free to move and carry an electric current. In contrast, molecular compounds do not conduct electricity in either the solid or liquid state because they do not contain free-moving charged particles.

Examples

Common examples of ionic compounds include table salt (sodium chloride) and calcium carbonate. These compounds are typically formed between a metal and a nonmetal. Molecular compounds, on the other hand, include substances like water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2), which are formed between nonmetal atoms.

Chemical Reactions

When it comes to chemical reactions, ionic compounds often undergo reactions that involve the exchange of ions, leading to the formation of new ionic compounds. Molecular compounds, on the other hand, typically undergo reactions that involve the breaking and forming of covalent bonds between atoms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the attributes of ionic and molecular compounds differ in terms of their chemical bonding, physical properties, solubility, conductivity, examples, and reactions. Understanding these differences is essential for predicting the behavior of different types of compounds in various chemical processes.