Mehratomige

Mehratomige refers to substances or species composed of more than one atom. In chemistry, the term is used to describe molecules and ions whose constituents are bound together to form a single entity, as opposed to monoatomic species that consist of a single atom. The concept encompasses diatomic, triatomic, and larger polyatomic systems, whether neutral molecules or charged ions.

The simplest examples are diatomic molecules such as O2, N2 and H2, followed by triatomic molecules like H2O and CO2, and larger polyatomic compounds such as CH4 or C6H12O6. Polyatomic ions, including sulfate (SO4^2−) and nitrate (NO3−), also fall under the mehratomige category, as they consist of multiple atoms carrying an overall charge.

Bonding in mehratomige species can be covalent, ionic, or a combination, and the spatial arrangement of atoms (molecular geometry) is governed by electron pair repulsion and orbital interactions. Models such as VSEPR theory and concepts of hybridization help predict shapes, polarity, and reactivity. The number and arrangement of atoms influence physical properties (melting and boiling points, vibrational spectra) and chemical behavior, including reaction mechanisms and catalysis.

In practice, der Begriff wird in Organischer-, Anorganischer- und Physikalischer Chemie verwendet, um die Komplexität der Verbindung oder des Ions zu beschreiben. See also: diatomic molecules; polyatomic ions; molecular geometry.