Why is it difficult to break a compound up?

Breaking a compound up is difficult because compounds are formed through strong chemical bonds that hold atoms together. These bonds, such as covalent or ionic bonds, require significant energy to break. Additionally, the stability of the compound often means that it is energetically unfavorable to separate its constituent elements. As a result, chemical reactions or processes that break compounds typically involve specific conditions, such as high temperatures or catalysts, to overcome these energy barriers.