Diatomic
consist of two atoms bonded together. In contrast, monatomic elements consist of single atoms (e.g., Ar, He). Many compounds are diatomic, such as HCl, NaCl, and KBr. Diatomic compounds consist of two different elements. There are seven pure elements that form diatomic molecules.
Key Takeaways: Diatomic Elements
Diatomic elements are pure elements that form molecules consisting of two atoms bonded together.
There are seven diatomic elements: hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, fluorine, chlorine, iodine, bromine.
These elements can exist in pure form in other arrangements. For example, oxygen can exist as the triatomic molecule, ozone.
This is a list of the seven diatomic elements. The seven diatomic elements are:
Hydrogen (H2)
Nitrogen (N2)
Oxygen (O2)
Fluorine (F2)
Chlorine (Cl2)
Iodine (I2)
Bromine (Br2)
All of these elements are nonmetals, since the halogens are a special type of nonmetallic element. Bromine is a liquid at room temperature, while the other elements all gases under ordinary conditions. As the temperature is lowered or pressure is increased, the other elements become diatomic liquids.
Astatine (atomic number 85, symbol At) and tennessine (atomic number 117, symbol Ts) are also in the halogen group and may form diatomic molecules. However, some scientists predict tennessine may behave more like a noble gas.
While only these seven elements routinely form diatomic molecules, other elements can form them. However, diatomic molecules formed by other elements are not very stable, so their bonds are easily broken.
compounds
are formed by the chemical combination of two or more element. example water is a compound because two elements water and hydrogen come to form it.
