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Molecular Solids

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A molecular solid is held by intermolecular forces between intact neutral molecules, giving lower melting points than the other three solid types.

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Solid carbon dioxide sublimes at -78 °C, while iodine's larger, more polarizable molecules hold together enough to melt at 114 °C.

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A molecular solid's melting point tracks intermolecular force strength, not any internal bond, which stays intact regardless of temperature.