Interstitial compounds are formed when small atoms like H, C, or N are trapped in the crystal lattice of metal. Which of the following statements are true about the interstitial compounds?

(A) Interstitial compounds have higher melting points than the pure metals.
(B) Interstitial compounds are very soft.
(C) Interstitial compounds are very reactive.
(D) Interstitial compounds retain metallic conductivity.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(A), and (D) only

The correct answer is Option (1) → (A), and (D) only

The correct statements about interstitial compounds are:

• (A) Interstitial compounds have higher melting points than the pure metals ✔
• (D) Interstitial compounds retain metallic conductivity ✔

The incorrect statements are:

• (B) They are very hard, not soft ✖
• (C) They are generally chemically inert, not very reactive ✖