Compound

Name:
Compound
Detailed information:
(1) A substance composed of atoms or ions of two or more elements in chemical combination. The constituents are united by bonds or valence forces. A compound is a homogeneous entity where the elements have definite proportions by weight and are represented by a chemical formula. A compound has characteristic properties quite different from those of its constituent elements. It is decomposed by energy in the form of a chemical reaction, heat, or electric current. Example: water is a liquid formed by chemical combination of two gases; it can be separated into hydrogen and oxygen by an electric current (electrolysis); in certain reactions it is split into its constituent ions (H, OH) (hydrolysis); it is not chemically changed by heat or cold.See Mixture; Homogeneous; Chemical Reaction. (2) Loosely, a product formula (often proprietary) of various types, e.g., pharmaceuticals (a vegetable compound), rubber (a fast-curing compound), etc. (3) Having two sets of lenses (compound microscope).