This section lists some binary compounds with halogens (known as halides), oxygen (known as oxides), hydrogen (known as hydrides), and some other compounds of cadmium. For each compound, a formal oxidation number for cadmium is given, but the usefulness of this number is limited for p-block elements in particular. Based upon that oxidation number, an electronic configuration is also given but note that for more exotic compounds you should view this as a guide only.

In compounds of cadmium (where known), the most common oxidation numbers of cadmium are: 2.

Hydrides

The term hydride is used to indicate compounds of the type M_xH_y and not necessarily to indicate that any compounds listed behave as hydrides chemically.

• Cadmium dihydride: CdH₂

Fluorides

• Cadmium difluoride: CdF₂

Chlorides

• Cadmium dichloride: CdCl₂

Bromides

• none listed

Iodides

• Cadmium diiodide: CdI₂

Oxides

• Cadmium oxide: CdO
• Cadmium peroxide: CdO₂

Sulfides

• Cadmium sulphide: CdS

Selenides

• Cadmium selenide: CdSe

Tellurides

• Cadmium telluride: CdTe

Nitrides

• Tricadmium dinitride: Cd₃N₂

Carbonyls

• none listed

Complexes

• none listed