Which statement best describes a molecular compound?

Which statement best describes a molecular compound?

• A. Carry a net charge
• B. Share electrons
• C. Form ionic bonds
• D. Have high melting points

Answer: (B)

Molecular compounds are held together by covalent bonds formed when atoms share electrons to fill their outer shells. This sharing creates neutral molecules, with no overall electric charge, because there isn’t a complete transfer of electrons to form ions. That’s why describing a molecular compound as sharing electrons best captures what these substances are like. In contrast, ionic bonds arise from transferring electrons to create charged ions, which is not the typical situation for molecular compounds. And while some substances with strong inter-molecular forces can have higher melting points, the hallmark of molecular compounds is the covalent sharing of electrons, not a high melting point.

Molecular compounds are held together by covalent bonds formed when atoms share electrons to fill their outer shells. This sharing creates neutral molecules, with no overall electric charge, because there isn’t a complete transfer of electrons to form ions. That’s why describing a molecular compound as sharing electrons best captures what these substances are like. In contrast, ionic bonds arise from transferring electrons to create charged ions, which is not the typical situation for molecular compounds. And while some substances with strong inter-molecular forces can have higher melting points, the hallmark of molecular compounds is the covalent sharing of electrons, not a high melting point.