Compound vs. Molecule — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
A Compound is a substance formed from two or more different elements chemically combined. A Molecule is the smallest particle of a substance that retains its chemical properties, made of one or more atoms.
Difference Between Compound and Molecule
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
The terms Compound and Molecule are foundational in chemistry, each with distinct meanings. A Compound refers to a substance resulting from the chemical combination of two or more different elements. A Molecule, on the other hand, represents the tiniest particle of any substance (element or compound) that upholds its chemical characteristics.
When discussing the formation of a Compound, it is imperative to note that it involves a change in the properties of its constituent elements. The resulting compound typically exhibits characteristics distinct from those of its individual elements. Conversely, a Molecule, whether it represents a single element or a compound, will always display the properties of that substance.
It's crucial to understand that while all compounds are molecules, not all molecules are compounds. A Molecule can consist of atoms of a single element, like O2 (oxygen molecule), or atoms of different elements, like H2O (water molecule which is also a compound). A Compound, by definition, always comprises atoms from different elements.
Another distinguishing feature between a Compound and a Molecule pertains to their representation. Molecular formulas denote molecules, displaying the number and type of atoms present. Compounds, being a subset of molecules, are also represented by molecular formulas, but these formulas specifically indicate a combination of different elements.
In conclusion, while both Compounds and Molecules pertain to the makeup of matter, they differ fundamentally. Compounds always involve multiple elements chemically bonded, whereas Molecules concern the smallest indivisible particles of a substance, retaining its properties.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Substance from two or more different elements.
Smallest particle of a substance with its properties.
Elements Involved
Always multiple, different elements.
Can be one element or multiple elements.
Property Retention
Exhibits new properties.
Retains properties of the substance.
Representation
Molecular formula indicating different elements.
Molecular formula, showing atoms present.
Example
H2O (water)
O2 (oxygen molecule) or H2O (water molecule)
Compare with Definitions
Compound
Material resulting from the reaction of different elements.
Salt, or sodium chloride, is a Compound of sodium and chlorine.
Molecule
The basic structural unit of an element or compound.
A glucose Molecule is more complex than a water molecule.
Compound
To combine so as to form a whole; mix
Tin was often compounded with lead to make pewter.
Molecule
The smallest unit of a substance retaining its chemical properties.
A single water Molecule has two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
Compound
To produce or create by combining two or more ingredients or parts; compose or make up
Pharmacists compounding prescriptions.
Molecule
A particle made of one or more atoms.
The nitrogen Molecule is made up of two nitrogen atoms.
Compound
To settle (a debt, for example) by agreeing on an amount less than the claim; adjust.
Molecule
An entity formed when atoms join via chemical bonds.
A DNA Molecule contains many atoms connected in a complex structure.
Compound
To compute (interest) on the principal and accrued interest.
Molecule
A group of atoms bonded together representing the smallest unit of a chemical compound.
A Molecule of oxygen consists of two oxygen atoms.
Compound
To add to or intensify so as to make worse
"The university authorities ... compounded their crime in dismissing [the professor] by denying that their action ... reflected any abridgment of academic freedom" (John Kenneth Galbraith).
Molecule
A molecule is an electrically neutral group of two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds. Molecules are distinguished from ions by their lack of electrical charge.
Compound
To make worse by being an additional or intensifying factor
High winds compounded the difficulties of the firefighters.
Molecule
The smallest particle of a substance that retains the chemical and physical properties of the substance and is composed of two or more atoms; a group of like or different atoms held together by chemical forces.
Compound
To combine in or form a compound.
Molecule
A small particle; a tiny bit.
Compound
To come to terms; agree.
Molecule
(chemistry) The smallest particle of a specific element or compound that retains the chemical properties of that element or compound; two or more atoms held together by chemical bonds.
Hydrogen chloride is a diatomic molecule, consisting of a hydrogen atom and a chlorine atom.
Compound
Consisting of two or more substances, ingredients, elements, or parts.
Molecule
A tiny amount.
Compound
(Botany) Composed of more than one part
A compound pistil.
Molecule
One of the very small invisible particles of which all ordinary matter is supposed to consist.
Compound
A combination of two or more elements or parts.
Molecule
The smallest part of any substance which possesses the characteristic properties and qualities of that substance, and which can exist alone in a free state.
Compound
(Linguistics) A word that consists either of two or more elements that are independent words, such as loudspeaker, self-portrait, or high school, or of specially modified combining forms of words, such as Greek philosophia, from philo-, "loving," and sophia, "wisdom."
Molecule
A group of atoms so united and combined by chemical affinity that they form a complete, integrated whole, being the smallest portion of any particular compound that can exist in a free state; as, a molecule of water consists of two atoms of hydrogen and one of oxygen. Cf. Atom.
Compound
(Chemistry) A pure, macroscopically homogeneous substance consisting of atoms or ions of two or more different elements in definite proportions that cannot be separated by physical means. A compound usually has properties unlike those of its constituent elements.
Molecule
(physics and chemistry) the simplest structural unit of an element or compound
Compound
A building or buildings, especially a residence or group of residences, set off and enclosed by a barrier.
Molecule
(nontechnical usage) a tiny piece of anything
Compound
An enclosed area used for confining prisoners of war.
Compound
An enclosure within which workers, prisoners, or soldiers are confined.
Compound
An enclosure for secure storage.
Compound
A group of buildings situated close together, e.g. for a school or block of offices.
Compound
Anything made by combining several things.
Compound
(chemistry) A substance formed by chemical bonding of two or more elements in definite proportions by weight.
Compound
A substance made from any combination of ingredients.
Compound
(linguistics) A lexeme that consists of more than one stem.
Compound
(linguistics) A lexeme that consists of more than one stem or an affix, e.g. bookshop, high school or non-standard.
Compound
(rail) A compound locomotive, a steam locomotive with both high-pressure and low-pressure cylinders.
Compound
Composed of elements; not simple.
A compound word
Compound
(math) Dealing with numbers of various denominations of quantity, or with processes more complex than the simple process.
Compound addition
Compound proportion
Compound
(music) An octave higher than originally (i.e. a compound major second is equivalent to a major ninth).
Compound
(transitive) To form (a resulting mixture) by combining different elements, ingredients, or parts; to mingle with something else.
To compound a medicine
Compound
To settle by agreeing on less than the claim, or on different terms than those stipulated.
To compound a debt
Compound
(transitive) To settle amicably; to adjust by agreement.
Compound
(intransitive) To come to terms of agreement; to settle by a compromise.
To compound with someone / for something
Compound
To compose; to constitute.
Compound
To increase in value with interest, where the interest is earned on both the principal sum and prior earned interest.
Compound
To worsen a situation.
Compound
Of a horse: to fail to maintain speed.
Compound
In the East Indies, an inclosure containing a house, outbuildings, etc.
Compound
That which is compounded or formed by the union or mixture of elements ingredients, or parts; a combination of simples; a compound word; the result of composition.
Rare compound of oddity, frolic, and fun.
When the word "bishopric" was first made, it was made as a compound.
Compound
A union of two or more ingredients in definite proportions by weight, so combined as to form a distinct substance; as, water is a compound of oxygen and hydrogen.
Compound
To form or make by combining different elements, ingredients, or parts; as, to compound a medicine.
Incapacitating him from successfully compounding a tale of this sort.
Compound
To put together, as elements, ingredients, or parts, in order to form a whole; to combine, mix, or unite.
We have the power of altering and compounding those images into all the varieties of picture.
Compound
To modify or change by combination with some other thing or part; to mingle with something else.
Only compound me with forgotten dust.
Compound
To compose; to constitute.
His pomp and all what state compounds.
Compound
To settle amicably; to adjust by agreement; to compromise; to discharge from obligation upon terms different from those which were stipulated; as, to compound a debt.
I pray, my lords, let me compound this strife.
Compound
To effect a composition; to come to terms of agreement; to agree; to settle by a compromise; - usually followed by with before the person participating, and for before the thing compounded or the consideration.
Here's a fellow will help you to-morrow; . . . compound with him by the year.
They were at last glad to compound for his bare commitment to the Tower.
Cornwall compounded to furnish ten oxen after Michaelmas for thirty pounds.
Compound for sins they are inclined toBy damning those they have no mind to.
Compound
Composed of two or more elements, ingredients, parts; produced by the union of several ingredients, parts, or things; composite; as, a compound word.
Compound substances are made up of two or more simple substances.
Compound
(chemistry) a substance formed by chemical union of two or more elements or ingredients in definite proportion by weight
Compound
A whole formed by a union of two or more elements or parts
Compound
An enclosure of residences and other building (especially in the Orient)
Compound
Make more intense, stronger, or more marked;
The efforts were intensified
Her rudeness intensified his dislike for her
Potsmokers claim it heightens their awareness
This event only deepened my convictions
Compound
Put or add together;
Combine resources
Compound
Calculate principal and interest
Compound
Create by mixing or combining
Compound
Combine so as to form a whole; mix;
Compound the ingredients
Compound
Of leaf shapes; of leaves composed of several similar parts or lobes
Compound
Consisting of two or more substances or ingredients or elements or parts;
Soap is a compound substance
Housetop is a compound word
A blackberry is a compound fruit
Compound
Composed of many distinct individuals united to form a whole or colony;
Coral is a colonial organism
Compound
A substance formed by the chemical combination of two or more elements.
Water is a Compound consisting of hydrogen and oxygen.
Compound
A substance exhibiting properties different from its constituent elements.
Carbon dioxide is a Compound with properties different from carbon and oxygen.
Compound
A matter characterized by a fixed ratio of elements.
Methane is a Compound with a fixed ratio of carbon to hydrogen.
Compound
A chemically bonded combination of different atoms.
Ammonia is a Compound formed from nitrogen and hydrogen.
Common Curiosities
Can a Compound be broken down into simpler substances?
Yes, compounds can be broken down into their constituent elements.
Is a single element considered a Molecule?
If it's composed of two or more atoms, like O2, it's a molecule.
Is the air we breathe a Compound?
Air is a mixture of compounds (like CO2) and molecules (like O2).
Do all molecules of a Compound have the same composition?
Yes, they have a fixed ratio of atoms of each element.
Are all molecules compounds?
No, but all compounds are molecules.
How is a Molecule different from an atom?
A molecule consists of two or more atoms bonded together.
How do compounds form?
Through chemical reactions between different elements.
Why are properties of compounds different from their elements?
Due to new bonds and structures that emerge in compounds.
What forms when elements chemically react?
They form a Compound with different properties from the original elements.
Can a Molecule be made of a single type of atom?
Yes, like O2, which is a molecule of just oxygen atoms.
What do you call a molecule made of two atoms?
A diatomic molecule.
Can molecules be seen with the naked eye?
No, they are too small, but groups of them form visible matter.
Which is more general, Compound or Molecule?
Molecule is more general, as it can refer to both single-element and multi-element entities.
What's the smallest part of a Compound that retains its properties?
A molecule of that compound.
Can compounds have varying ratios of their constituent atoms?
No, compounds have fixed ratios; mixtures have varying ratios.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
