Definition of binary compound

1) A binary compound is a chemical compound consisting of exactly two different elements bonded together, either through ionic or covalent bonding.

These compounds typically involve a metal and a non-metal element, and their formation depends on the electronegativity difference between the two elements. Binary compounds, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), water (H2O), and carbon dioxide (CO2), are prevalent in nature.

The nomenclature for binary compounds incorporates the elements names with suitable prefixes and suffixes to indicate the type and amount of each element in the compound.

Related terms: chemical compound, ionic bond, covalent bond, electronegativity, molecular formula, nomenclature, oxidation state, valence electron, binary ionic compound, binary covalent compound.

source: References:
  1. OpenStax, Chemistry 2e. OpenStax CNX.
  2. Brown, T. L., LeMay, H. E., Bursten, B. E., Murphy, C. J., & Woodward, P. (2017). Chemistry: The Central Science. Pearson.