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Examples Of Chemical Compounds

August 17, 2023
written by Sidra Batool

Chemical compounds are substances composed of multiple atoms from different elements, bonded together in specific proportions. For example, Calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), a common compound found in limestone, and acetone (C₃H₆O), used as a solvent, are both important in various industries. Glycerol (C₃H₈O₃) is used in pharmaceuticals, while sodium carbonate (Na₂CO₃), commonly known as soda ash, is used in manufacturing glass.

Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is a strong acid in laboratory settings, and aspirin (C₉H₈O₄) is widely used as an anti-inflammatory. Magnesium hydroxide (Mg(OH)₂) is used as an antacid, while nitric acid (HNO₃) plays a vital role in fertilizers. Other examples include potassium permanganate (KMnO₄), a strong oxidizing agent, and calcium chloride (CaCl₂), used for de-icing roads. Each of these compounds has a unique chemical formula, highlighting the diversity of chemical substances, whether organic or inorganic, and their roles in everyday applications.

Compound NameChemical Formula
Calcium CarbonateCaCO₃
AcetoneC₃H₆O
GlycerolC₃H₈O₃
Sodium CarbonateNa₂CO₃
Hydrochloric AcidHCl
AspirinC₉H₈O₄
Magnesium HydroxideMg(OH)₂
Nitric AcidHNO₃
Potassium PermanganateKMnO₄
Calcium ChlorideCaCl₂
GlucoseC₆H₁₂O₆
Acetic AnhydrideC₄H₆O₃
Aluminum SulfateAl₂(SO₄)₃
PhenolC₆H₅OH
ChloroformCHCl₃
Sodium HypochloriteNaClO
Zinc OxideZnO
Magnesium SulfateMgSO₄
UreaCH₄N₂O
BenzeneC₆H₆

What is chemical compound?

Chemical compound is a substance composed of two or more chemically bonded elements.

Chemical compounds are everywhere in our daily lives. They are formed when two or more elements combine. For example, water (H₂O) is a common compound made of hydrogen and oxygen. Table salt (NaCl) is another example of a chemical compound, which is formed by the combination of sodium and chlorine.

These compounds are essential for cooking, cleaning, and keeping healthy. Learning about chemical formulas and how compounds are made helps us understand the world around us.

image showing 20 compounds with their chemical formula

Common Household Compounds

Compound NameChemical FormulaCompositionUse Case
WaterH₂O2 Hydrogen, 1 OxygenHydration, cooking, cleaning
Sodium ChlorideNaCl1 Sodium, 1 ChlorineSeasoning, food preservation
Sodium BicarbonateNaHCO₃1 Sodium, 1 Hydrogen, 1 Carbon, 3 OxygenBaking, cleaning, odor control
Acetic AcidCH₃COOH2 Carbon, 4 Hydrogen, 2 OxygenSalad dressing, stain removal
Isopropyl AlcoholC₃H₈O3 Carbon, 8 Hydrogen, 1 OxygenDisinfecting, wound cleaning
GlucoseC₆H₁₂O₆6 Carbon, 12 Hydrogen, 6 OxygenBody energy, found in foods
MethaneCH₄1 Carbon, 4 HydrogenCooking fuel, heating
Carbon DioxideCO₂1 Carbon, 2 OxygenFizzy drinks, fire extinguishers

Industrial and Pharmaceutical Compounds

Compound NameChemical FormulaCompositionUse Case
Calcium CarbonateCaCO₃1 Calcium, 1 Carbon, 3 OxygenCement, paper, antacids
AspirinC₉H₈O₄9 Carbon, 8 Hydrogen, 4 OxygenPain relief, anti-inflammatory
Sodium CarbonateNa₂CO₃2 Sodium, 1 Carbon, 3 OxygenGlass and detergent production
AmmoniaNH₃1 Nitrogen, 3 HydrogenFertilizers, household cleaners
Sodium HydroxideNaOH1 Sodium, 1 Oxygen, 1 HydrogenSoap making, drain cleaner

Environmental and Agricultural Compounds

Compound NameChemical FormulaCompositionUse Case
UreaCH₄N₂O1 Carbon, 4 Hydrogen, 2 Nitrogen, 1 OxygenFertilizer, soil nutrient booster
Calcium ChlorideCaCl₂1 Calcium, 2 ChlorineRoad de-icing, dust control
Nitric AcidHNO₃1 Hydrogen, 1 Nitrogen, 3 OxygenFertilizer production (ammonium nitrate)
Hydrogen PeroxideH₂O₂2 Hydrogen, 2 OxygenWound cleaning, water purification
Sulfur HexafluorideSF₆1 Sulfur, 6 FluorineElectrical insulation, climate research

What are 30 Examples Of Chemical Compounds?

Here is the list of chemical compounds, their common names, and their formulas:

1. Water

  • Formula: H₂O
  • Composition: 2 hydrogen atoms, 1 oxygen atom
  • Usage: Water (H₂O), a vital compound, is used for drinking, cooking, and cleaning at home.
  • Why It Matters: Water is used every day. It is one of the simplest chemical compounds.
image showing WATER molecule as an Example Of Chemical Compounds

2. Sodium Chloride (Table Salt)

  •  Formula: NaCl
  • Composition: 1 sodium atom, 1 chlorine atom
  • Usage: Sodium chloride (NaCl) is used to season food and preserve it in homes.
  • Why It Matters: It adds taste and keeps food fresh. A common chemical in daily life.
image showing table salt molecule as an Example Of Chemical Compounds

3. Carbon Dioxide

  • Formula: CO₂
  • Composition: 1 carbon atom, 2 oxygen atoms
  • Usage: Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is used in fizzy drinks and in fire extinguishers.
  • Why It Matters: It helps in safety and drinks. It is simple compound used every day.
image showing carbon di oxide molecule as an Example Of Chemical Compounds

4. Glucose

  • Formula: C₆H₁₂O₆
  • Composition: 6 carbon, 12 hydrogen, 6 oxygen atoms
  • Usage: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) gives energy to our body and is found in food like fruits.
  • Why It Matters: It powers our body. A basic chemical formula in daily life.
image showing Glucose molecule as an Example Of Chemical Compounds

5. Methane

  • Formula: CH₄
  • Composition: 1 carbon atom, 4 hydrogen atoms
  • Usage: Methane (CH₄) is used as a fuel for heating and cooking in many homes.
  • Why It Matters: It gives energy for cooking. A useful example of chemical compounds at home.
image showing methane molecule as an Example Of Chemical Compounds

6. Isopropyl Alcohol (C₃H₈O)

  • Formula: C₃H₈O
  • Composition: 3 carbon, 8 hydrogen, 1 oxygen atom
  • Usage: Isopropyl alcohol (C₃H₈O) cleans wounds and kills germs on surfaces.
  • Why It Matters: It keeps things germ-free. A key chemical compound for hygiene.

7. Ammonia

  • Formula: NH₃
  • Composition: 1 nitrogen, 3 hydrogen atoms
  • Usage: Ammonia (NH₃) is used in cleaners and in making fertilizers for plants.
  • Why It Matters: It helps grow food and clean. A useful chemical compound.
image showing Ammonia molecule as an Example Of Chemical Compounds

8. Calcium Chloride

  • Formula: CaCl₂
  • Use: It melts ice on roads and keeps dust down.
  • Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) melts ice on roads, ensuring safe winter travel (compounds in industry).
  • Why It Matters: It keeps roads safe. A cold-weather chemical compound.

9. Ethylene (Ethene)

   Chemical Formula: C₂H₄

   Composition: 2 carbon atoms, 4 hydrogen atoms

10. Calcium Carbonate

    Chemical Formula: CaCO₃

    Composition: 1 calcium atom, 1 carbon atom, 3 oxygen atoms

11. Hydrochloric Acid

    Chemical Formula: HCl

    Composition: 1 hydrogen atom, 1 chlorine atom

12. Nitric Acid

  • Formula: HNO₃
  • Use: It is used to make fertilizers.
  • Nitric acid (HNO₃) is used in fertilizers to increase crop yields.
  • Why It Matters: It helps crops grow. A farming chemical formula.

13. Sucrose (Table Sugar)

    Chemical Formula: C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁

    Composition: 12 carbon atoms, 22 hydrogen atoms, 11 oxygen atoms

14. Acetic Acid

  • Formula: CH₃COOH
  • Composition: 2 carbon, 4 hydrogen, 2 oxygen atoms
  • Usage: Vinegar (CH₃COOH) is used for cleaning and flavoring food like salads.
  • Why It Matters: It is used often in kitchens. A simple chemical in daily use..

15. Methanol

    Chemical Formula: CH₃OH

    Composition: 1 carbon atom, 4 hydrogen atoms, 1 oxygen atom

16. Glycerol

    Chemical Formula: C₃H₈O₃

    Composition: 3 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogen atoms, 3 oxygen atoms

17. Ammonium Nitrate

    Chemical Formula: NH₄NO₃

    Composition: 4 hydrogen atoms, 1 nitrogen atom, 3 oxygen atoms

18. Benzene

    Chemical Formula: C₆H₆

    Composition: 6 carbon atoms, 6 hydrogen atoms

19. Potassium Hydroxide

    Chemical Formula: KOH

    Composition: 1 potassium atom, 1 oxygen atom, 1 hydrogen atom

20. Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda)

  • Formula: NaHCO₃
  • Composition: 1 sodium, 1 hydrogen, 1 carbon, 3 oxygen atoms
  • Usage: Baking soda (NaHCO₃) helps bake fluffy bread and clean kitchen surfaces.
  • Why It Matters: It helps in cooking and cleaning. A useful household chemical formula.

21. Hydrogen Peroxide

  • Formula: H₂O₂
  • Use: It cleans wounds and treats water.
  • Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) cleans wounds and purifies water, a versatile compound.
  • Why It Matters: It kills germs and purifies. A common chemical formula in daily life.

22. Sodium Hydroxide (Caustic Soda)

  • Formula: NaOH
  • Composition: 1 sodium, 1 oxygen, 1 hydrogen atom
  • Usage: Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) is used in making soap and cleaning drains.
  • Why It Matters: It makes soap and cleans well. A strong chemical compound in industry.

23. Urea

  • Formula: CH₄N₂O
  • Use: Urea is used as plant food in farms.
  • Urea (CH₄N₂O) enriches soil, feeding global crops.
  • Why It Matters: It feeds plants. A common compound in agriculture.

24. Aspirin

    Chemical Formula: C₉H₈O₄

    Composition: 9 carbon atoms, 8 hydrogen atoms, 4 oxygen atoms

25. Caffeine

    Chemical Formula: C₈H₁₀N₄O₂

    Composition: 8 carbon atoms, 10 hydrogen atoms, 4 nitrogen atoms, 2 oxygen atoms

26. Carbon Tetrachloride

    Chemical Formula: CCl₄

    Composition: 1 carbon atom, 4 chlorine atoms

27. Sodium Carbonate (Soda Ash)

    Chemical Formula: Na₂CO₃

    Composition: 2 sodium atoms, 1 carbon atom, 3 oxygen atoms

28. Methane

    Chemical Formula: CH₄

    Composition: 1 carbon atom, 4 hydrogen atoms

29. Sulfur Hexafluoride

  • Formula: SF₆
  • Use: It is used in electric tools and air tests.
  • Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆) insulates power grids and tracks air currents.
  • Why It Matters: It helps with electricity and weather. A special compound in science.

30. Lactic Acid

    Chemical Formula: C₃H₆O₃

    Composition: 3 carbon atoms, 6 hydrogen atoms, 3 oxygen atoms

What elements are compounds?

Compounds are substances formed when two or more elements chemically bond together. Here are a few examples of common elements that form compounds:

  1. Hydrogen (H) – Forms compounds like water (H₂O) and hydrogen chloride (HCl).
  2. Oxygen (O) – Found in compounds such as carbon dioxide (CO₂) and glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆).
  3. Carbon (C) – Forms a variety of compounds, including methane (CH₄) and ethylene (C₂H₄).
  4. Nitrogen (N) – Commonly found in compounds like ammonia (NH₃) and nitric acid (HNO₃).
  5. Sodium (Na) – Forms compounds such as sodium chloride (NaCl) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃).
  6. Chlorine (Cl) – Found in compounds like sodium chloride (NaCl) and chlorinated solvents (e.g., CCl₄).
  7. Calcium (Ca) – Forms compounds such as calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) and calcium sulfate (CaSO₄).
  8. Sulfur (S) – Commonly found in compounds like sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and hydrogen sulfide (H₂S).

These elements combine to create a wide range of chemical compounds.

what are 10 common chemicals used at home?

Here are 10 common chemicals used at home along with their formulas:
Water – H₂O
Sodium Chloride (Table Salt) – NaCl
Vinegar (Acetic Acid) – CH₃COOH
Baking Soda (Sodium Bicarbonate) – NaHCO₃
Ammonia – NH₃
Hydrogen Peroxide – H₂O₂
Rubbing Alcohol (Isopropyl Alcohol) – C₃H₈O
Bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) – NaClO
Calcium Carbonate (Found in Antacids) – CaCO₃
Citric Acid – C₆H₈O₇

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