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Which substance exists as a molecular compound? a sulfate ion, calcium chloride, methanol, oxygen

2 Answers

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The substance would be:Methanol (ch40)
User Jonathan Duarte
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Answer: The correct answer is methanol.

Step-by-step explanation:

Molecular compounds are defined as the compounds which are formed by the sharing of electrons between the different atoms that are combining. They do not break easily or the bond between them cannot be broken down easily. Thus, they do not form ions. These molecules are formed when two or more non-metals combine.

Ionic compounds are defined as the compounds which are formed by the donating of electrons from one atom to another. They form ions.

From the given options:

Option 1: Sulfate ion

Chemical formula for this ion is
SO_4^(2-). The given ion is a polyatomic ion and thus is known as ionic compound.

Option 2: Calcium chloride

The chemical formula for this compound is
CaCl_2. It is formed by the combination of calcium and chlorine ions. Thus, they will form ionic compound.

Option 3: Methanol

The chemical formula for this compound is
CH_3OH. It is formed by the sharing of electrons between carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Thus, it is considered as a molecular compound.

Option 4: Oxygen

This is formed by the sharing of electrons between two oxygen atoms. Thus, this is considered as a non-polar covalent compound.

Hence, the correct answer is methanol.

User Marcos Dantas
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