Question

List and compare the distinctive properties of ionic and molecular compounds.

a) Ionic compounds have strong covalent bonds, while molecular compounds have weak ionic bonds.
b) Ionic compounds have a low melting and boiling point, while molecular compounds have a high melting and boiling point.
c) Ionic compounds conduct electricity in the molten state, while molecular compounds do not.
d) Molecular compounds are always solids, while ionic compounds can exist in any state.

Answer 1

Molecular compounds have lower melting and boiling points, do not conduct electricity well, and can exist in different physical states. Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points, conduct electricity in molten or dissolved state, and are usually solid.

Step-by-step explanation:

The physical state and properties of a particular compound depend on the type of chemical bonding it displays. Molecular compounds, also known as covalent compounds, have a wide range of physical properties due to different types of intermolecular attractions. They have lower boiling and melting points compared to ionic compounds because the energy required to disrupt the intermolecular forces between molecules is less than the energy required to break ionic bonds. Molecular compounds do not conduct electricity well because they are composed of neutral molecules. In contrast, ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in the solid state but can conduct when molten or dissolved in a solution. The solubility of molecular compounds in water varies depending on the type of intermolecular forces involved, while most ionic compounds are soluble. Molecular compounds can exist as gases, liquids, or solids, while ionic compounds are usually solids.