What is the difference between binary ionic and molecular compound?

Answer 1

A binary compound contains two elements. An ionic compound will contain cations and anions and form an infinite lattice for example sodium chloride, NaCl,

calcium fluoride, CaF

2. A binary molecular compound will form molecules for example water, H2O, carbon monoxide, CO. The ionic compounds will generally be high melting brittle solids, molecular compounds will vary from gases, (lighter ones) through to liquids and solids, for example the alkanes

CnH2n+2,

Ionic compounds are generally formed by metals and non-metals, molecular generally from non-metals.

Answer 2

Binary ionic compounds are formed by the transfer of electrons between a metal and a nonmetal, resulting in the formation of ions. In contrast, molecular compounds are formed by the sharing of electrons between two nonmetals. Binary ionic compounds tend to have higher melting and boiling points compared to molecular compounds.