Introduction
Compound is a fundamental building block of chemistry. It is composed of two or more elements that have combined through chemical reactions to form a distinct substance with different properties than the elements that make it up. This article will discuss what a compound is, different types of compounds, and examples of compounds found in chemistry.
Definition of a Compound
Chemists create a compound by combining two or more elements in definite proportions by weight. This process chemically combines the elements and forms new substances with unique properties that differ from the elements that make them up. These compounds can consist of elements from the same group or from various groups on the periodic table.
Types of Compounds
There are three main categories of compounds: ionic, covalent, and metallic.
Ionic Compounds
Electrostatic forces hold positive and negative ions together in ionic compounds. Metals form positive ions, called cations, by losing electrons, and nonmetals form negative ions, called anions, by gaining electrons. An example of an ionic compound is sodium chloride (NaCl).
Covalent Compounds
Covalent compounds are formed when nonmetals share electrons to achieve a stable electron configuration. Examples of covalent compounds include water (H2O), methane (CH4), and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Metallic Compounds
Metals form positively charged ions by losing electrons, which then become part of a “sea” of delocalized electrons surrounding the ions in metallic compounds. Examples of these compounds include sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium chloride (KCl).
Examples of Compounds in Chemistry
There are many examples of compounds found in chemistry. Below are some of the most common compounds found in everyday life.
Covalent Compounds Examples
Water (H2O)
Composition: A covalent compound made up of two elements, hydrogen and oxygen
Importance: Essential for life on Earth
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Composition: A covalent compound made up of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms
Occurrence: A major component of Earth’s atmosphere, released through respiration and combustion
Methane (CH4)
Composition: A covalent compound made up of one carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms
Source: A major component of natural gas, released into the atmosphere through human activities such as burning of fossil fuels.
Sucrose (C12H22O11)
Composition: A covalent compound made up of 12 carbon atoms, 22 hydrogen atoms, and 11 oxygen atoms
Occurrence: A common sugar found in many foods and beverages.
Acetic Acid (C2H4O2)
Composition: A covalent compound made up of two carbon atoms, four hydrogen atoms, and two oxygen atoms
Use: A common organic acid found in many foods and used in many industrial processes.
Ammonia (NH3)
Composition: A covalent compound made up of one nitrogen atom and three hydrogen atoms
Characteristics: A colorless gas with a strong odor, used in many industrial processes.
Oxygen (O2)
Composition: A covalent compound made up of two oxygen atoms
Characteristics: A colorless, odorless gas and is essential for life on Earth.
Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2)
Composition: A covalent compound made up of two hydrogen atoms and two oxygen atoms
Use: A colorless liquid used in many household cleaners and disinfectants.
Carbon Monoxide (CO)
Composition: A covalent compound made up of one carbon atom and one oxygen atom
Characteristics: A colorless, odorless gas and is toxic to humans and animals.
Sulfuric Acid (H2SO4)
Two hydrogen atoms, one sulfur atom, and four oxygen atoms combine to form a covalent compound. This colorless and odorless liquid serves as a crucial component in various industrial processes.
Ionic Compounds Examples
Table Salt (NaCl)
Composition: An ionic compound made up of sodium and chlorine
Common Use: One of the most common compounds found in the kitchen
Potassium Chloride (KCl)
Potassium chloride forms a white, crystalline solid and serves as a crucial component in various industrial processes.
Metallic Compounds Examples
Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3)
Composition: A metallic compound made up of two aluminum cations and three oxygen anions
Characteristics: An odorless, white powder and is used in many industrial processes.
Copper Sulfate (CuSO4)
The metallic compound, made up of one copper cation and four sulfur anions, is a blue crystalline solid. It is widely used in various industrial processes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we can create a substance called a compound by combining two or more elements in a fixed ratio. These elements can come from the same group or different groups on the periodic table. Three main categories of compounds exist: ionic, covalent, and metallic. Some examples of compounds found in chemistry include water, table salt, and carbon dioxide.