answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

Each atom in a proper molecule has a bond to at least one other atom in the same molecule that is stronger than the bond that atom has to any other atom that is not part of the molecule. This is not true for the ions in an ionic compound, because ionic bonding is a spatial property that extends throughout a crystal of an ionic compound, so that there is at least one direction through space along which the bond strength between successive pairs of ions in one direction is just the same as in the other direction along the line throughout all the extent of the crystal (except for parts of the crystal within a few atoms of the surface of the crystal). As a result, there is nothing in an ionically bonded crystal corresponding to the boundaries of molecules in an equally sized solid of a covalently bonded compound.

User Avatar

Wiki User

โˆ™ 12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

โˆ™ 1mo ago

Ionic compounds do not have molecules because they are composed of ions held together by strong electrostatic forces, not by covalent bonds like in molecular compounds. In ionic compounds, the ions arrange themselves in a crystal lattice structure, rather than forming discrete molecules with specific numbers of atoms.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Why is it correct to say ionic compounds do not have molecules?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Chemistry

Would it be correct to say molecule of NaCl?

No, it would not be correct to say "molecule of NaCl" because NaCl is an ionic compound composed of sodium (Na) cations and chloride (Cl) anions held together by ionic bonds. Instead of molecules, we refer to NaCl as a formula unit since it is not made up of discrete covalently bonded molecules.


What is it not practical to make tools out of ionic compounds?

It is not practical to make tools out of ionic compounds because they are typically brittle and break easily under stress. Ionic compounds have strong electrostatic forces holding the ions together in a fixed lattice structure, making them unsuitable for forming flexible or durable tools.


How do you make this sentence correct A covalent bond is the force of attraction between the opposite charges of the ions in an ionic compound?

To correct the sentence, you can say: "A covalent bond is the sharing of electrons between atoms in a molecule, whereas the force of attraction between oppositely charged ions in an ionic compound is called an ionic bond."


What is a hydrated ionic solid?

A hydrated ionic solid is a compound where water molecules are incorporated into the crystal structure along with the ionic compound. This results in a solid with a fixed ratio of water molecules to the ionic compound, known as the hydrate. Examples include MgSO4ยท7H2O (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate).


Do all ionic substance are ionic and have a crystal shape?

Yes, all ionic substances are composed of ions and have a crystal structure due to the strong electrostatic forces that hold the ions together in a regular, repeating pattern. This arrangement gives ionic compounds their characteristic high melting and boiling points.

Related questions

Would it be correct to say molecule of NaCl?

No, it would not be correct to say "molecule of NaCl" because NaCl is an ionic compound composed of sodium (Na) cations and chloride (Cl) anions held together by ionic bonds. Instead of molecules, we refer to NaCl as a formula unit since it is not made up of discrete covalently bonded molecules.


Why are ionic substances not made up of molecules?

Because molecule was originally defined as a cluster of two or more atoms held together by a covalent bond. So it's not accurate if we say it molecules of ionic compounds. The true sentence is polyatomic ions.


Are All organic compounds are covalently bonded?

Most of them are, though there are a few that are ionic such as sodium acetate and other organic acid salts. These include ionic bonds, but also contain covalent bonds within a polyatomic ion.


What is it not practical to make tools out of ionic compounds?

It is not practical to make tools out of ionic compounds because they are typically brittle and break easily under stress. Ionic compounds have strong electrostatic forces holding the ions together in a fixed lattice structure, making them unsuitable for forming flexible or durable tools.


How do you make this sentence correct A covalent bond is the force of attraction between the opposite charges of the ions in an ionic compound?

To correct the sentence, you can say: "A covalent bond is the sharing of electrons between atoms in a molecule, whereas the force of attraction between oppositely charged ions in an ionic compound is called an ionic bond."


How are ionic compounds formed?

Ionic compounds are formed through the transfer of electrons between atoms. One atom gives up electrons to become a positively charged ion (cation), while another atom accepts these electrons to become a negatively charged ion (anion). The resulting electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions forms a stable ionic compound.


What is a hydrated ionic solid?

A hydrated ionic solid is a compound where water molecules are incorporated into the crystal structure along with the ionic compound. This results in a solid with a fixed ratio of water molecules to the ionic compound, known as the hydrate. Examples include MgSO4ยท7H2O (magnesium sulfate heptahydrate).


Are compounds larger than elements?

Yes, compounds are made up of two or more different elements chemically combined. Elements are the simplest substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. Therefore, compounds are typically larger in size than elements.


Do all ionic substance are ionic and have a crystal shape?

Yes, all ionic substances are composed of ions and have a crystal structure due to the strong electrostatic forces that hold the ions together in a regular, repeating pattern. This arrangement gives ionic compounds their characteristic high melting and boiling points.


What are Cyclic compounds that contain a nitrogen atom called?

Cyclic compounds that contain a nitrogen atom are called azacycles or heterocycles. These compounds are often found in pharmaceuticals, natural products, and other important chemical molecules.


What is the relationship between the chemical bond type and melting point of a compound?

The type of chemical bonds in a compound can influence its melting point. Compounds with stronger bonds, such as ionic or network covalent bonds, tend to have higher melting points due to the greater amount of energy required to break these bonds. Compounds with weaker bonds, such as metallic or molecular bonds, typically have lower melting points.


What holds atoms together in molecules?

Chemical bonds. For example, with ionic bonds it is the attraction of opposite charges. With covalent bonds it is the sharing of electrons.