Which substance exists as a molecular compound? a sulfate ion, calcium chloride, methanol, oxygen

The correct answer is methanol.

Explanation:

Molecular compounds are defined as the compounds which are formed by the sharing of electrons between the different atoms that are combining. They do not break easily or the bond between them cannot be broken down easily. Thus, they do not form ions. These molecules are formed when two or more non-metals combine.

Ionic compounds are defined as the compounds which are formed by the donating of electrons from one atom to another. They form ions.

From the given options:

Option 1: Sulfate ion

Chemical formula for this ion is . The given ion is a polyatomic ion and thus is known as ionic compound.

Option 2: Calcium chloride

The chemical formula for this compound is . It is formed by the combination of calcium and chlorine ions. Thus, they will form ionic compound.

Option 3: Methanol

The chemical formula for this compound is . It is formed by the sharing of electrons between carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Thus, it is considered as a molecular compound.

Option 4: Oxygen

This is formed by the sharing of electrons between two oxygen atoms. Thus, this is considered as a non-polar covalent compound.

Hence, the correct answer is methanol.

nacl or sodium chloride is an ionic compound. this is because an ionic compound pertains to a compound that consists of positively and negatively charged ions. in this case, na (sodium) has a tendency to lose one electron when it reacts with with other atoms, so the resulting sodium ion contains 11 protons and 10 electrons, thus making it positively charged (na+), when chlorine reacts, it usually gains one electron to form an ion called chloride, thus making it negatively charged ( since the ions are oppositely charged, they attract.