molecular crystal

crystallography

Also known as: molecular solid

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June 30, 2026

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A molecular crystal is a solid composed of molecules held together by relatively weak intermolecular forces, primarily van der Waals forces. Unlike ionic or covalent crystals, the atoms within a molecular crystal are bonded covalently within their molecules, but the molecules themselves are attracted to each other by weaker forces. Examples include solid hydrogen, helium, and many organic compounds.12

Crystallography is the science of determining the arrangement and bonding of atoms in crystalline solids. This is often achieved through X-ray diffraction, where X-rays are scattered by the crystal's atomic structure to reveal its internal arrangement. This process allows scientists to understand the precise positions of atoms and molecules within a crystal lattice.34

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chemical bonding
Molecular solids
The structures of molecular solids, which are solids composed of individual molecules, have also been touched on in the section on intermolecular forces. These molecules are held to one another by hydrogen bonds (if they can form them), dispersion forces, and other dipolar…
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The structures of molecular solids, which are solids composed of individual molecules, have also been touched on in the section on intermolecular forces. These molecules are held to one another by hydrogen bonds (if they can form them), dispersion forces, and other dipolar…
Read More

solid
Molecular crystals are substances that have relatively weak intermolecular binding, such as dry ice (solidified carbon dioxide), solid forms of the noble gases (e.g., argon, krypton, and xenon), and crystals of numerous organic compounds.
Read More
Molecular crystals are substances that have relatively weak intermolecular binding, such as dry ice (solidified carbon dioxide), solid forms of the noble gases (e.g., argon, krypton, and xenon), and crystals of numerous organic compounds.
Read More