Examples of Compounds

We explain the examples of compounds. In chemistry, compounds are substances that result from the combination of two or more elements. Due to the chemical phenomena that occur on the planet and also due to the intervention of humanity, the atoms of the elements have always tended to form bonds with each other, and they end up presenting themselves in very varied stable forms. The union of two or more atoms is called a molecule , and it is the unit that defines chemical compounds.

The vast majority of known substances are compounds. The human body is made up of them and their functions are driven by chemical reactions in which they participate. Compounds are completely new pure substances with properties that can be similar or different from those of the elements that make them up. The most important characteristics that define a compound are the following:

Physical state
Appearance
Mass
Volume
Density
Melting point
Boiling point
Specific heat
Molecular mass
Reactivity

Compound types

Compounds are classified according to the elements that make them up into two large groups:

Inorganic compounds
Organic compounds

Inorganic compounds

The inorganic compounds are formed by any of the elements of the periodic table and may be in solid, liquid or gaseous state. Atoms combine from two onwards and are usually linked by ionic and covalent bonds. They tend to be soluble in water and other solvents. Their molecular weights cover a short range. Inorganic chemical compounds include:

Oxides
Sulfides
Binary salts
Oxisales
Hydracids
Oxyacids
Hydroxides

All of them make up the rocky and non-living part of the earth’s crust, creating deposits, minerals, mountain systems and the soil, the nutritional base on which plants develop. In addition, those that appear in the gaseous state, accompany oxygen and nitrogen in the atmosphere.

Organic compounds

The organic compounds are mainly formed by covalent bonds between carbon atoms , which are capable of forming long chains, so that their molecular weights become so high. The valences of the carbons that make up the chain are completed by hydrogen atoms (H). In addition, atoms of other elements such as oxygen (O), sulfur (S), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and halogens can be included. Organic compounds include:

Alkanes
Alkenes
Alkynes
Alcohols
Aldehydes
Ketones
Carboxylic acids
Amines
Amides
Ethers
Esters
Acid anhydrides

Organic compounds also include those that make up biological structures, which are:

Carbohydrates
Lipids
Protein
Vitamins
Enzymes
Polymers