What is a compound in chemistry?

A compound in chemistry is a combination of atoms from at least two different elements. Compounds do not contain mixtures of elements. They form through a chemical binding process and are in stable ratios.

Molecular compounds form from covalent bonds, which provide an atomic bond through the sharing of mutual electrons. Salts are crystallized solids that are chemical compounds with ionic bonds. These bonds bind salts through charges between positive and negative ions, creating a transference of electrons between the ions. Ternary compounds involve more than two elements and require both ionic and covalent bonds to combine. Some molecular compounds share more than one electron.