Molecular bonding refers to the forces that hold atoms together in a molecule. These bonds form when atoms share or transfer electrons, creating stable arrangements. The main types of molecular bonds are covalent bonds, where atoms share electrons, and ionic bonds, where electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in charged ions. Understanding molecular bonding is essential in chemistry because it explains how different substances interact and react with each other. The properties of materials, such as boiling points and solubility, are influenced by the types of bonds present. This knowledge is crucial for fields like pharmaceuticals and materials science.