Elementmolekülen

Elementmolekülen, often translated as elemental molecules, refers to molecules composed of only one type of chemical element. These are distinct from compounds, which are formed from two or more different elements. Elemental molecules exist when atoms of the same element bond together to achieve a more stable electron configuration.

The most common examples of elemental molecules are diatomic molecules, meaning they consist of two atoms of the same element. The familiar elements oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), hydrogen (H2), and chlorine (Cl2) are all diatomic. In these cases, the atoms share electrons through covalent bonds.

Some elements can also form molecules with more than two atoms. Ozone (O3), an allotrope of oxygen, is a triatomic elemental molecule. The element sulfur can exist in various molecular forms, such as S8, which is an octatomic molecule. Phosphorus also exhibits allotropies, with molecules like P4 being common.

The existence and structure of elemental molecules are governed by principles of chemical bonding and the tendency of atoms to minimize their energy. The number of atoms in an elemental molecule can vary depending on the element, temperature, and pressure. Understanding elemental molecules is fundamental to comprehending the behavior of pure substances in chemistry.