How do you determine if a formula represents a molecular compound?

1 Answer
anor277
Nov 19, 2016

#"Is it a combination of a metal and non-metal.........?"#

Explanation:

If it is a combination of alkali or alkaline earth metals, and halides, then the material is likely to be an ionic solid, i.e. #M^(+)X^(-)#, and thus non-molecular. If the material is composed SOLELY of #C, H, N,# and #O#, then the material is likely to be organic, i.e. molecular.

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