Metallic Compounds Definition

Lead(II) oxide or PbO is an example of a metallic compound.
Lead(II) oxide or PbO is an example of a metallic compound. Cultura Exclusive/GIPhotoStock / Getty Images
By
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.
Chemistry Expert
  • Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville
  • B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College
Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels.
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Updated on September 29, 2022

A metallic compound is a compound that contains one or more metal elements bonded to another element. Typically, the metal atom acts as the cation in the compound and is bonded to a nonmetallic anion or an ionic group. Because it has a positive charge, the metal element symbol is listed first in the chemical formula. Sometimes metal complexes are also considered to be metallic compounds.

Table salt
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Compound Definition in Chemistry
By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D.

When metals bond to other metals, they form an alloy. An alloy is not considered to be a metallic compound because the ratio of elements is not fixed like it is in a compound.

Metallic Compound Examples

  • AgNO3 - Silver nitrate is a metallic compound. Silver (Ag) is the metal, bonded to the nitrate group.
  • CaCl2 - Calcium chloride is a metallic compound.
  • H2O (water) is not considered a metallic compound. Even though hydrogen sometimes acts like a metal, it is more often considered a nonmetal.
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Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Metallic Compounds Definition." ThoughtCo, Sep. 29, 2022, thoughtco.com/definition-of-metallic-compounds-605339. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2022, September 29). Metallic Compounds Definition. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-metallic-compounds-605339 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Metallic Compounds Definition." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-metallic-compounds-605339 (accessed April 20, 2024).