Molecular solid | Types | Properties

The crystalline solid in which polar and nonpolar atoms or molecules of a substance form a crystal is called molecular solid.

Example

Solidification of noble gasses

Types of molecular solid

Polar molecular solids

The molecular solids in which polar molecules form a crystal are called polar molecular solids.

Example

Ice and sugar

Non polar molecular solids

The molecular solids in which non polar molecules form a crystal are called nonpolar molecular solids.

Example

Iodine

Intermolecular forces

Dipole dipole forces are present in polar molecular solids. Van der Waal forces are present in nonpolar molecular solids.

Properties of molecular solid

• These soldiers have a definite arrangement of molecules.
• Large number of free spaces are present between their molecules.
• Molecular solids are compressible due to free spaces.
• These have low density.
• Molecular solids are transparent to light.
• Polar molecular solids are soluble in polar solvents like water. Non polar molecular solids are soluble in non polar solvents like benzene etc.
• These solids have low melting point and boiling point.
• These solids are mostly highly volatile.