Symbol for charged molecule containing carbon (4)
I believe the answer is:
icon
'symbol' is the definition.
(I know that icon is a type of symbol)
'charged molecule containing carbon' is the wordplay.
'charged molecule' becomes 'ion' (I've seen this in another clue).
'containing' indicates putting letters inside.
'carbon' becomes 'C' (C is the chemical symbol for carbon).
'ion' going around 'c' is 'ICON'.
'for' acts as a link.
(Other definitions for icon that I've seen before include "Image on wood or screen" , "A sacred painting or mosiac" , "Sacred painting of Greek Orthodox Church" , "Representation, religious say" , "Famous and admired person" .)