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Questions tagged [molecules]

An electrically neutral entity consisting of more than one atom (n > 1). Rigorously, a molecule, in which n > 1 must correspond to a depression on the potential energy surface that is deep enough to confine at least one vibrational state. This tag should be applied to question about certain molecules or a class of them.

From the IUPAC goldbook:

An electrically neutral entity consisting of more than one atom ($n > 1$). Rigorously, a molecule, in which $n > 1$ must correspond to a depression on the potential energy surface that is deep enough to confine at least one vibrational state.

It is, therefore, a necessary requirement to be a molecule, that the are covalently bound to each other, i.e. .

This tag should be applied to questions about certain molecules or classes of them. Other tags should also be applied to further narrow the field, for example , , .

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Are long oxygen molecules possible?

Are large oxygen containing molecules possible? Either large rings, or chains with hydrogen atoms at the ends. Like this: $\ce{H-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-O-$\cdots$-O-O-O-O-O-H}$
Cano64
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Space filling model for nitrogen molecule

I want to make space filling model for nitrogen molecule. I've learned that van der Waals diameter is to be taken for atom radius. Since van der Waals radius for nitrogen is $\pu{155 pm}$ and bond length is $\pu{110 pm}$, does this mean that…
Pygmalion
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Differences between H-H-O and H-O-H

I'm not an expert. In simple words how do they differ: $\ce{H-H-O}$ and $\ce{H-O-H}$ molecules?
paskitosway
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Molecule with 13 total electrons

Is there a stable molecule with total number of electrons equal to 13? Molecule can be either organic or inorganic
vigenere
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What is the most complex molecule we can manufacture without the help of proteins? (soft queston)

What is the most complex molecule we can manufacture without the help of proteins? This isn't motivated by anything but curiosity about the state of chemical engineering. I realize “complexity” is a loaded term, so I'll defer to the judgment of the…
adam.baker
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Measure the complexity of a molecule

Back in April, there was an article in new scientist discussing the work of Lee Cronin, who postulated that molecules of a certain complexity must be biological. Cronin has developed a way to measure the complexity of a molecule by counting the…
Shibe
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Oxygen in water: How is it single if it's always double?

This is simple question, I think. At college (I'm an Intro Chem. student), the professor explained that oxygen is always found in molecules of 2 oxygen atoms combined together - $\ce{O2}$. On the other hand, molecule of the water is $\ce{H2O}$. So I…
Artyom
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Number of bonds in a Lewis Structure

I'm asked to find the Lewis Structure of sulfuric acid, $SO_4H^-$. After struggling for a while, I sumply looked it up. How can this be? Sulfur has 6 electrons in its valence shell, so it should form bonds so as to collect 2 more electrons and…
Jack M
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Is this graphic of molecules correct?

First off, huge fan of chemistry, not a chemist – do be nice :D Would an image like this make sense as an infographic for the molecular composition of the air? I especially wonder if the different sizes of the molecules (or do they all have the same…
user2537250
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Are these 3 molecular structures of ammonium bicarbonate the same?

Are these 3 molecular structures of ammonium bicarbonate the same? A: B: C:
user2986288
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Find empirical formula when individual masses are known

I'd like to illustrate my question with an example: Imagine nickel reacts with fluoride and you start with $0.766\ \mathrm{g}$ of nickel, an unknown amount of fluoride and you end with $1.261\ \mathrm{g}$ of nickel fluoride. The mass of fluoride in…
Jef
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Do halogens bond more commonly with each other or themselves?

To me it seems like diatomic elements like $\ce{F2}$, $\ce{Cl2}$, etc. occur more prevalently than diatomic molecules with both, like $\ce{ClF}$. Is this the case, and if so, what causes diatomic elements to be favored?
DarkLightA
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How to quantify the difference between two xyz files for the same molecule?

Sometimes I encounter xyz files with slightly different coordinates, for example, before and after optimization. What is the easiest way to compare how different are they? In the first approximation, I would define the difference as a minimum of the…
Jennifer M.
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Are there any reactions where two triatomics form three of the same diatomic?

A chemical equation: $\ce{A}+\ce{B}\to\ce{3C}$ Where $\ce{A}$ & $\ce{B}$ are triatomic molecules and C is a diatomic molecule. Find out $\ce{A}$, $\ce{B}$, $\ce{C}$? So far the most worthy options for answer I've found are $\ce{S_3}$ (trisulfur)…
Mockingbird
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Can you artificially create molecules with a machine?

Is it possible to create molecules with machines? For example: you shoot one oxygen-atom $(\ce O)$ on one diatomic hydrogen $(\ce{H2})$ to create one water molecule $(\ce{H2O})$.
Anonymous Anonymous
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