What are examples of compounds and non-compounds?

1 Answer
Jun 15, 2017

A compound is a multi-atom substance where two or more different elements are in each formula unit (for ionic compounds) or molecule (for covalent compounds).

The following are examples of compounds.

  • #"HF"#, hydrofluoric acid, is a molecule, but can also be called a binary compound; more specifically, a binary acid. It contains two different elements.
  • #"CO"_2#, carbon dioxide, is generally considered a molecule, but can also be called a compound. It contains two different elements.
  • #"CH"_3"COOH"#, acetic acid, is a molecule, and is also a compound. It contains three different elements.

The following are examples of NOT compounds.

  • #"Br"_2#, bromine, is a diatomic element, or a molecular element. Only one element is in its structure though, so it is not a compound.
  • #"Ar"#, argon, is an atom; thus, it cannot be multi-atomic, and consequently is not a compound.
  • #"S"_8#, sulfur, is an octatomic element, or a molecular element. Only one element is in its structure though, so it is not a compound.