
Chemical compound | Definition, Examples, & Types | Britannica
Dec 16, 2025 · Chemical compound, any substance composed of identical molecules consisting of atoms of two or more chemical elements. All the matter in the universe is composed of the atoms of …
Definition and classification of chemical compounds | Britannica
Compounds can be broken down into their constituents to various degrees or changed into new compounds by chemical reactions. Atoms always combine into molecules in fixed proportions, …
Chemical compound - Elements, Molecules, Reactions | Britannica
Dec 16, 2025 · Chemical compound - Elements, Molecules, Reactions: Chemical compounds may be classified according to several different criteria. One common method is based on the specific …
Chemical compound - Bonding, Structure, Properties | Britannica
Dec 16, 2025 · Chemical compound - Bonding, Structure, Properties: The carbon atom is unique among elements in its tendency to form extensive networks of covalent bonds not only with other elements …
Chemical compound - Spectroscopy, Organic, Analysis | Britannica
Nov 11, 2025 · Chemical compound - Spectroscopy, Organic, Analysis: Until the mid-20th century, most organic compounds were distinguished from one another largely on the basis of simple physical and …
Caffeine | Stimulant, Health Benefits, Addiction | Britannica
Dec 2, 2025 · Caffeine, nitrogenous organic compound of the alkaloid group, substances that have marked physiological effects. Caffeine occurs in tea, coffee, guarana, maté, kola nuts, and cacao.
Chemical element | Definition, Origins, Distribution, & Facts - Britannica
Nov 29, 2025 · Elements can combine with one another to form a wide variety of more complex substances called compounds. The number of possible compounds is almost infinite; perhaps a …
Chemical compound - Functional Groups | Britannica
Dec 16, 2025 · A distinctive set of physical and chemical properties is imparted to molecules that contain a functional group composed of three pairs of doubly bonded atoms (usually all carbon atoms) …
Lye | chemical compound | Britannica
Science Chemistry sodium hydroxide sodium hydroxide chemical compound Also known as: NaOH, caustic soda
Chemical compound - Binary, Covalent, Molecules | Britannica
Dec 16, 2025 · Chemical compound - Binary, Covalent, Molecules: Binary molecular (covalent) compounds are formed as the result of a reaction between two nonmetals. Although there are no …