Properties of Simple Molecular Compounds (Cambridge International IGCSE Science)

Spec point — Describe in terms of structure and bonding the properties of simple molecular compounds: (a) low melting points and boiling points; (b) poor electrical conductivity

Properties of simple molecular compounds

• Small molecules are compounds made up of molecules that contain just a few atoms covalently bonded together
• They have low melting and boiling points so covalent compounds are usually liquids or gases at room temperature
• As the molecules increase in size, the melting and boiling points generally increase
• Small molecules have poor electrical conductivity