Difference between Molecules and Compounds

Molecules and compounds often confuse students. However there is difference between them. Some of the difference between molecules and compounds is tabulated below:

Parameters

Molecule

Compound

Definition

  • A molecule is a group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds, represent the smallest unit of a chemical compound.
  • All molecules are not compounds.
  • Consist of two or more atoms bonded together, which may be of the same or different elements.
  • A compound is a substance which is formed by composed of two or more different elements chemically bonded together.
  • All compounds are molecules.
  • Consist of two or more different types of atoms chemically bonded together in a fixed ratio.

Examples

  • Oxygen molecule (O2)
  • Water molecule (H2O)
  • Carbon dioxide molecule (CO2)
  • Carbon dioxide (CO2)
  • Sodium chloride (NaCl)
  • Glucose (C6H12O6)

Types

  • Covalent
  • Polar covalent
  • Hydrogen bonding
  • Ionic bonding
  • Covalent bonding
  • Metallic bonding

Stability

Exist stable entities under certain conditions or participate in chemical reactions to form compounds.

Stable substances under specific conditions or undergo chemical reactions to produce new substances.

Also, Check

Chemical Compound

Chemical Compounds in chemistry are pure form of matter which are formed by combination of two or more elements in a fixed ratio. They are different from the mixture in which the constituent particles are combined in any ratio. For example, sugar solution is a mixture but water is a chemical compound. This is because in sugar solution water and sugar can combine in any ratio to form solution but to form water i.e. H2O, hydrogen and oxygen have to always combine in fix ratio i.e. 2:1.

In this article, we will learn in detail about what is chemical compounds, their example, types, bonding, some of commonly used chemical compound and how are they different from molecules and elements.

Table of Content

  • What are Chemical Compounds?
  • Types of Chemical Compound
  • Bonding in Chemical Compounds
  • Chemical Compound List
  • Element vs Chemical Compounds
  • Difference between Molecules and Compounds

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