What are the properties of simple molecular compounds?

Simple molecular compounds have low melting and boiling points, are usually gases or liquids at room temperature, and are poor conductors of electricity.

Simple molecular compounds are made up of molecules where atoms are held together by covalent bonds. These compounds are usually formed between non-metal atoms. The covalent bonds are strong, but the forces of attraction between these molecules, known as intermolecular forces, are relatively weak. This explains why simple molecular compounds have low melting and boiling points. They require less energy to overcome the weak intermolecular forces and change from solid to liquid, or liquid to gas.

Another characteristic of simple molecular compounds is that they are usually gases or liquids at room temperature. This is also due to the weak intermolecular forces. For example, oxygen (O2) and nitrogen (N2) are simple molecular compounds that exist as gases at room temperature, while water (H2O) is a liquid.

Simple molecular compounds are also poor conductors of electricity. This is because they do not have free electrons or ions that can carry an electric charge. In a covalent bond, electrons are shared between atoms, not free to move around. Therefore, electricity cannot be conducted. For example, distilled water, which is a simple molecular compound, does not conduct electricity.

In summary, simple molecular compounds have unique properties due to the nature of their bonding and structure. They have low melting and boiling points, are usually gases or liquids at room temperature, and are poor conductors of electricity. Understanding these properties can help you predict the behaviour of these compounds in different situations.