Question

In table below, there are descriptions of an experiment on samples of three different chemical compounds. Decide whether the compound is ionic or molecular, if you can.
Compound Description Ionic or Molecular
1 Compound 1 is a light gray solid made of overlapping
hexagonal crystals. When heated gently it starts to soften
and develop an unpleasant smell about 50 °C, above
room temperature.
2 Compound 2 is a dull white smooth solid which does not
conduct electricity. Applying an ordinary laboratory burner
to the material only makes the substance hot, it does not
otherwise change. In fact, the substance can't be melted
or even softed by any ordinary laboratory equipment.
3 Compound 3 is a clear liquid with a strong pleasantly
fruity smell. If cooled it freezes at about -10 0C. In the
solid state it does not conduct electricity.

Answer 1

Answer:

Compound 1 is a molecular compound

Compound 2 is an ionic compound

Compound 3 is a molecular compound

Explanation:

Let us review the properties of ionic and molecular compounds.

A molecular compound has a low melting and boiling point. This is as a result of weak intermolecular forces. Also, molecular compounds do not conduct electricity both in solid and liquid state because they are composed of molecules and not ions.

On the other hand, ionic substances have very high melting and boiling points. They are very strong solids that often have a dull appearance and do not conduct electricity in the solid state.

Compounds 1 and 3 have the properties of molecular substances hence they are classified as such. Compound 2 displayed the properties of an ionic substance hence it is classified as such.