Difference Between Molecule and Compound

Table of Contents

What is a Molecule?

A molecule is a group of atoms bonded together. Therefore the atoms are held together by chemical bonds.

Homonuclear vs Heteronuclear

Homonuclear molecules are atoms or molecules that contain atoms of the same element. For example, the molecule oxygen (O2) is homonuclear because it contains two oxygen atoms. However heteronuclear molecules are atoms or molecules that contain atoms of different elements. For example, the molecule water (H2O) is heteronuclear because it contains two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Compound Definition

A compound is a molecule composed of two or more atoms of different elements. For example, water is a compound made of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.

Chemical Formula:

C6H12O6

The chemical formula for glucose is C6H12O6. Glucose is a simple sugar that is found in many foods. Therefore it is the main source of energy for the body’s cells.

Types of Compounds

There are two types of compounds: organic and inorganic.

Therefore inorganic compounds are those that do not contain carbon. They typically found in the mineral kingdom and usually composed of elements such as oxygen, sulfur, and nitrogen.

Organic compounds are those that contain carbon. Therefore they typically found in the plant and animal kingdoms and composed of elements such as carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

Example of Compounds:

Water
Carbon dioxide
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Sulfur dioxide
Hydrogen chloride
Chlorine
Bromine
also Iodine

Example of Elements:

Gold
Silver
Copper
Iron
Lead
Zinc
also Tin

Examples of Some Commonly used Compounds along with Molecular Formula:

Water (H 2 O)
Carbon Dioxide (CO 2 )
Oxygen (O 2 )
Sulfur Dioxide (SO 2 )
and Sulfur Trioxide (SO 3 )
Carbon Monoxide (CO)

Compound versus Molecule

A compound a molecule composed of two or more atoms of different elements. Therefore a molecule is the smallest particle of a compound that has the chemical properties of the compound.