What is the name for compounds that are composed of only two elements?

Binary compounds are defined as chemical compounds that consist of exactly two different elements. This categorization is significant in chemistry because it helps in understanding the composition and behavior of various substances. For example, water (H₂O) is a binary compound made up of hydrogen and oxygen, while sodium chloride (NaCl) is another example consisting of sodium and chlorine.

Understanding the nature of binary compounds is crucial for predicting their chemical properties and reactions. In contrast, complex compounds typically contain multiple types of atoms or groups combined in various ways, ternary compounds include three elements, and simple compounds might refer to basic or uncomplicated chemical structures but do not specifically denote the presence of only two elements. Therefore, the term that accurately describes compounds composed of only two elements is binary compounds.