Identifying Ionic vs. Molecular Compounds

Importance

Understanding the difference between ionic and molecular compounds is crucial for naming compounds, as they have different naming conventions.

Composed of ions: positive cations and negative anions.
Typically feature metals as cations.
Metals are located on the left side of the periodic table's staircase.
- Exception: Hydrogen, though on the left, is a non-metal.
Examples of Ionic Compounds:
- Sodium and Chlorine (NaCl): Sodium is a metal, so it's ionic.
- Iron and Bromine (FeBr): Iron is a metal, so it's ionic.
- Silver and Sulfur (Ag₂S): Silver is a metal, so it's ionic.

Made from non-metals only.
Non-metals are on the right side of the periodic table, plus hydrogen.
Examples of Molecular Compounds:
- Water (H₂O): Hydrogen and oxygen are non-metals, so it's molecular.
- Carbon Dioxide (CO₂): Both carbon and oxygen are non-metals.
- Phosphorus Hexafluoride (PF₆): Phosphorus and fluorine are non-metals.

Potassium and Chlorine (KCl):
- Potassium is a metal and chlorine is a non-metal, so it's ionic.
Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂):
- Both nitrogen and oxygen are non-metals, so it's molecular.
Hydrogen and Sulfur (H₂S):
- Hydrogen and sulfur are non-metals, so it's molecular.
Iron, Sulfur, and Oxygen (FeSO₄):
- Iron is a metal, indicating it's ionic.
Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen (CH₄O):
- All are non-metals, so it's molecular.
Lead, Chlorine, and Oxygen (PbCl₂O):
- Lead is a metal, so it's ionic.