is sodium benzoate an ionic or molecular compound? In lab we tested the physical properties of several compounds. sodium benzoate was dissolved in hexane and water then melting point and conductivity were tested. The sodium benzoate had a melting point of 300C and was conductive. My lab partner did the solubility tests and said that it was not soluble in hexane but was soluble in water. All of these point clearly to it being an ionic compound yet the lab asks specifically if it should be classified as ionic molecular or BOTH. Which leads me to believe that maybe we missed something.

Question

is sodium benzoate an ionic or molecular compound?  In lab we tested the physical properties of several compounds. sodium benzoate was dissolved in hexane and water then  melting point and conductivity were tested.  The sodium benzoate had a melting point of >300C and was conductive.  My lab partner did the solubility tests and said that it was not soluble in hexane but was soluble in water.  All of these point clearly to it being an ionic compound yet the lab asks specifically if it should be classified as ionic molecular or BOTH.  Which leads me to believe that maybe we missed something.

anonymous · Answer

I am worried that my lab partner may have oversaturated the hexane solution. (that maybe the sodium benzoate was supposed to dissolve)