Binary Compound

Definition

A binary compound is a chemical compound composed of two different elements, typically a metal and a nonmetal, combined in a fixed proportion. These compounds follow specific rules for their nomenclature and formation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Binary compounds are named using a systematic approach that involves the combination of the element names, with the nonmetal element name coming second and the ending modified to indicate the compound type.
2. The oxidation numbers of the elements in a binary compound determine the subscripts used in the molecular formula, with the more electropositive element having a positive oxidation number and the more electronegative element having a negative oxidation number.
3. Binary compounds can be classified as either ionic or covalent based on the type of bonding that occurs between the metal and nonmetal elements.
4. The physical and chemical properties of binary compounds, such as melting point, boiling point, and reactivity, are largely determined by the nature of the bonding and the electronegativity difference between the constituent elements.
5. The systematic naming of binary compounds is an important aspect of chemical nomenclature, as it allows for the unambiguous identification and communication of these chemical species.

Review Questions

• Explain the general rules for naming binary compounds.
  • The general rules for naming binary compounds involve combining the element names, with the nonmetal element name coming second and the ending modified to indicate the compound type. For example, a binary compound composed of sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl) would be named sodium chloride (NaCl). The more electropositive element is named first, followed by the more electronegative element, with the ending of the nonmetal element name changed to '-ide' to indicate the compound is a binary compound.
• Describe the relationship between the oxidation numbers of the elements and the subscripts in the molecular formula of a binary compound.
  • The oxidation numbers of the elements in a binary compound determine the subscripts used in the molecular formula. The more electropositive element, which has a positive oxidation number, will have a subscript that corresponds to its oxidation number. The more electronegative element, which has a negative oxidation number, will have a subscript that is the absolute value of its oxidation number. This ensures that the overall charge of the compound is neutral, as the positive and negative charges balance out.
• Analyze how the bonding type (ionic or covalent) in a binary compound affects its physical and chemical properties.
  • The type of bonding in a binary compound, whether ionic or covalent, has a significant impact on its physical and chemical properties. Ionic compounds, formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal and a nonmetal, tend to have higher melting and boiling points, are generally hard and brittle, and are often soluble in water due to the strong electrostatic forces between the ions. Covalent compounds, formed by the sharing of electrons between a metal and a nonmetal, typically have lower melting and boiling points, are often soft and flexible, and may be less soluble in water due to the lack of ionic character. Understanding the relationship between bonding and properties is crucial for predicting and explaining the behavior of binary compounds.

Related terms

Ionic Compound: A type of binary compound formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal and a nonmetal, resulting in the creation of positively and negatively charged ions that are held together by electrostatic forces.

Covalent Compound: A type of binary compound formed by the sharing of electrons between a metal and a nonmetal, resulting in the creation of molecules held together by covalent bonds.

Molecular Formula:

The simplest whole number ratio of atoms of each element present in a binary compound, which represents the composition of the compound.