Predict whether each of the following compounds is molecular or ionic: (b) CH3OH

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Identify the types of elements present in the compound CH3OH.

Recognize that CH3OH consists of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms.

Recall that molecular compounds are typically formed between nonmetals.

Note that carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are all nonmetals.

Conclude that CH3OH is a molecular compound because it is composed entirely of nonmetals.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Molecular Compounds

Molecular compounds are formed when two or more nonmetals bond together by sharing electrons through covalent bonds. These compounds typically have low melting and boiling points and do not conduct electricity in their solid state. An example is water (H2O), where hydrogen and oxygen share electrons.

Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when metals and nonmetals react, resulting in the transfer of electrons from the metal to the nonmetal, creating charged ions. These compounds usually have high melting and boiling points and conduct electricity when dissolved in water or molten. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a classic example of an ionic compound.

Functional Groups in Organic Chemistry

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. In the case of CH3OH (methanol), the hydroxyl group (-OH) is a functional group that indicates it is an alcohol, a type of molecular compound. Understanding functional groups helps in predicting the properties and reactivity of organic compounds.

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