* It's not binary: Binary compounds consist of only two elements. While N₂O₄ contains nitrogen and oxygen, it has a more complex structure.
* It's not ionic: Dinitrogen tetroxide is a covalent compound, meaning it's formed by the sharing of electrons between the nitrogen and oxygen atoms. Ionic compounds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
Here's what it is:
* Covalent Compound: The nitrogen and oxygen atoms in dinitrogen tetroxide are held together by covalent bonds.
* Molecular Compound: Dinitrogen tetroxide exists as discrete molecules (N₂O₄) rather than a lattice of ions.
Let me know if you'd like more explanation on any of these terms!
