Comparisons of multimolecular, macromolecular and associated colloids are as follows:
| MULTIMOLECULAR COLLOIDS | MACROMOLECULAR COLLOIDS | ACCOCIATED COLLOIDS |
| They are formed by the aggregate of a large number of atoms or molecules which generally have diameters less than 1nm, e.g. Sols of gold, sulpher etc. | They are molecules of large size e.g. polymers like rubber, nylon, starch. | They are formed by of aggregation of a large number of ions in concentrated solution e.g. soap sol. |
| Their molecular masses are not very high. | They have high molecular masses. | Their molecular masses are generally high. |
| Their atoms or molecules are held together by weak vander Waal’s forces. | Due to long chain, the vander Waal’s forces holding them are comparatively stronger. | Higher is the concentration; greater are the vander Waal’s forces. |
| They usually have lyophilic character. | They usually have lyophobic character. | Their molecules contain both lyophobic and lyophilic characters. |
