Difference Between Molecules and Compounds (original) (raw)

Last Updated : 9 Feb, 2026

Molecules are the smallest particles of a substance that can exist independently and show their chemical properties. They are formed when atoms join together. A compound is a substance formed when atoms of two or more different elements chemically combine in a fixed ratio. All compounds are molecules, but not all molecules are compounds

Molecules

• Molecules consist of one or more atoms that are attached by chemical bonds, typically covalent bonds.
• The atom can be depicted as a central nucleus with electrons that move in predetermined orbits or shells around it.
• When atoms combine into a definite structure, they combine to compose a molecule.

A substance can be multiplied many times, but it still will be the same substance provided that its molecules are not split.

Compounds

• The compounds are the substances formed when two or more elements which are different, come together and form a substance in a fixed ratio.
• Chemical bonds between atoms hold together the atoms of a compound.
• The chemical bonds can be of three types predominantly: Covalent bond , Ionic (electrovalent) bond and Metallic bond.

Compounds are substances formed by the combination of two or more types of elements.

**Examples

• Water is a chemical compound which has a chemical formula C 2H O.
• It is composed of the combination of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom.
• When the oxygen and hydrogen mix chemically, it forms a new substance known as water whose properties are different as compared to the two elements.

Compounds vs Molecules

**Related Articles:

• Chemical Formula
• Types of Chemical Bonds
• Molecular Mass