Compounds in Chemistry

Compounds are a part of matter. Matter can be described as anything around us that has a mass and takes up a certain space. Everything is made up of matter, from the air we breathe to what we drink. 

Compounds are chemical substances that are made of two or more two elements that are chemically bonded together without participating in any chemical change. The substance formed is referred to as a mixture. Further, the mixture is divided into two major categories, homogeneous and heterogeneous mixtures.

Concept of Matter 

Chemistry is often said to be the study of the composition of matter and the chemical changes it continuously undergoes. Matter is anything that consists of mass. There are several classifications of matter based on their composition and physical state. Further, matter is classified into three major parts. These include the following:

• Elements 

Elements are referred to as pure substances which mainly contain a single type of atom or molecule. At present, there are about 118 elements, out of which some of the most common ones are silver (Ag), gold (Au), sulphur (S), hydrogen (H), and so on. They cannot be broken down further by any physical or chemical means.

• Compounds 

A compound is formed when more than one element combines chemically in the fixed ratio. Pure compounds can be chemically transformed into newer substances. Some common examples of these substances include salt (NaCl), carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), etc. 

• Mixtures 

Mixtures is the term used to define two different compounds or elements mixed with each other without any chemical change. The substances formed during this procedure are termed as mixtures.

What is a Compound? 

The definition of compounds is as follows: When two or more elements are combined together with one another in a fixed proportion by the mass, it is referred to as compound. Every time an element is combined with another element, it loses some of its individual properties to the newly-formed compound. 

H2O is the chemical formula for water where there are two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, and when these are combined together, it forms H2O. Similarly, NaCl, another example of compounds, is the chemical formula of common salt. Here, there is one atom of sodium and one atom of chlorine which are combined together to form NaCl. Some common examples of these substances include salt (NaCl), carbon dioxide (CO₂), water (H₂O), etc. 

Types of Compounds

Mainly, the types of compounds include molecular compounds and salts. In salt compounds, the atoms are held together through covalent bonds. Whereas in molecular compounds, the atoms bind each other with covalent bonds. 

Examples of Compounds

Here is the list of popular examples of compounds:

We have briefly discussed three major compounds here. Let’s take a look: 

Water 

The chemical formula of water is H2O. 

Physical properties of water 

• Water has high latent heat. 
• Water is an excellent solvent. 
• Water is a tasteless and colourless liquid. 
• Water has extremely high melting and boiling points. 

Chemical properties of water 

• Water is atmospheric in nature. It can act as both base and acid.
• Due to its dielectric constant, water holds a great hydrating tendency. 
• Water is an excellent source of hydrogen. 

Hydrogen Peroxide 

The chemical formula of hydrogen peroxide is H2O2 . 

Physical properties of hydrogen peroxide

• Hydrogen peroxide is pale blue in colour, and it almost looks colourless. 
• The boiling point and melting point of hydrogen peroxide is 423 K and 272.4 K, respectively. 

Chemical properties of hydrogen peroxide

• Hydrogen peroxide in the basic and acidic mediums act as the reducing and oxidising agent. 

Alcohol 

Alcohol is described as an organic compound whose chemical formula is C2H6O.  

Physical properties of alcohol 

• Compared to other hydrocarbons, which have the same molecular masses, alcohol generally has a high boiling point. 
• The hydroxyl group governs the alcohol solubility in water. 
• In order to form the corresponding alkoxide, the alcohol is reacted with the active metals, including potassium, sodium, etc. 
• Alcohol is acidic in nature.

Chemical properties of alcohol 

• Alcohol undergoes the oxidation process when oxidising agents are present. 
• If treated with protic acids, the alcohol undergoes the dehydration process in order to form alkenes. 

Conclusion 

When two or more two elements are combined chemically with one another in a fixed proportion by the mass, it is referred to as a compound. The major types of compounds  include molecular compounds and salts. In salt compounds, the atoms are held together through covalent bonds. In molecular compounds, the atoms bind each other with covalent bonds.