What is a molecular compound?

A molecular compound is defined by the presence of two or more different atoms that are covalently bonded together. This covalent bonding occurs when atoms share electrons to achieve stability, typically resulting in the formation of discrete molecules. For instance, water (H₂O) is a common molecular compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen atoms that are bound together by covalent bonds.

Covalent compounds can consist of various combinations of nonmetals and include a wide range of substances such as gases, liquids, and solids. This ability to combine different elements through covalent bonding is what distinguishes molecular compounds from other types of compounds, such as ionic compounds, which involve the transfer of electrons and the formation of charged particles (cations and anions) from metals and nonmetals.

The other options provide definitions that apply to different types of chemical entities. For example, two or more atoms of the same element refer to diatomic or elemental molecules, while a combination of metal and nonmetal corresponds to ionic compounds, leading to structures formed by ionic bonds rather than covalent interactions.