Answer:
A molecular compound is composed of two or more non metallic elements that are held together by covalent bonds.
The two major characteristics of molecular compounds are;
1.) They are held by covalent bonds
2.) They generally have poor conductivity
Step-by-step explanation:
A molecular compound is one where two or more molecules come together to form a compound. Unlike ionic compounds that combine by the transfer of electrons, molecular compounds form by sharing electrons. The pairing of the electrons is what holds the molecules together and is known as covalent bonding.
A molecular compound has various characteristics, some of which are;
- Generally low melting and boiling points
- Soft solid forms
- Low enthalpy of fusion and vaporization.
But the two major characteristics of molecular compounds are;
1.) They are held together by covalent bonds.
The elements in a molecular compound share their electrons by having their atoms bond chemically to each other.
2.) They generally have poor conductivity
Molecular compounds do not conduct electricity and heat properly. Because they are formed by sharing electrons, they usually have no free electrons left to conduct electricity.