Are FeO, Li₂O, CO₂, N₂O₄, SrO, XeO₃, and K₂O Ionic or Molecular?

Chemical compounds can be classified as ionic or molecular (covalent) based on the type of bonding present between their atoms. Ionic compounds consist of metal and nonmetal ions held together by electrostatic forces, while molecular compounds are formed by covalent bonds between nonmetal atoms. Let’s analyze each compound to determine its classification.

1. Iron(II) Oxide (FeO) – Ionic

• Reason: FeO consists of iron (Fe²⁺) and oxygen (O²⁻) ions, forming a strong ionic bond.
• Classification: Ionic

2. Lithium Oxide (Li₂O) – Ionic

• Reason: Lithium (Li) is a metal, and oxygen (O) is a nonmetal. Li donates electrons to O, forming Li⁺ and O²⁻ ions.
• Classification: Ionic

3. Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) – Molecular

• Reason: CO₂ consists of carbon (C) and oxygen (O), both nonmetals, bonded covalently.
• Classification: Molecular (Covalent)

4. Dinitrogen Tetraoxide (N₂O₄) – Molecular

• Reason: Both nitrogen (N) and oxygen (O) are nonmetals, forming a covalently bonded molecule.
• Classification: Molecular (Covalent)

5. Strontium Oxide (SrO) – Ionic

• Reason: Strontium (Sr) is a metal, and oxygen (O) is a nonmetal. Sr donates electrons to O, forming Sr²⁺ and O²⁻ ions.
• Classification: Ionic

6. Xenon Trioxide (XeO₃) – Molecular

• Reason: Xenon (Xe) is a noble gas, but it forms covalent bonds with oxygen (O), making it a molecular compound.
• Classification: Molecular (Covalent)

7. Potassium Oxide (K₂O) – Ionic

• Reason: Potassium (K) is a metal, and oxygen (O) is a nonmetal. K donates electrons to O, forming K⁺ and O²⁻ ions.
• Classification: Ionic

Summary Table

• Ionic compounds: FeO, Li₂O, SrO, K₂O (formed between metals and nonmetals).
• Molecular compounds: CO₂, N₂O₄, XeO₃ (formed between nonmetals via covalent bonds).

Recognizing whether a compound is ionic or molecular is crucial in understanding its properties, solubility, conductivity, and reactivity in chemical reactions.