Ionic

Ionic is a term used in Chemistry and Physics to describe a type of bond or interaction between atoms or molecules. It is one of the primary types of chemical bonds, along with covalent bonds and metallic bonds.

Overview

Ionic bonding is the complete transfer of valence electron(s) between atoms. It is a type of chemical bond that generates two oppositely charged ions. In ionic bonds, the metal loses electrons to become a positively charged cation, whereas the nonmetal accepts those electrons to become a negatively charged anion.

Formation

Ionic bonds form when a metal transfers one or more electrons to a nonmetal in an effort to attain a stable octet of electrons. For example, sodium (Na), a metal, and chloride (Cl), a nonmetal, form an ionic bond to create NaCl, or table salt.

Properties

Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points, and they are hard and brittle. As solids they are most often electrically insulating, but when melted or dissolved they become highly conductive, because the ions are mobilized.

See also

• Covalent bond
• Metallic bond
• Polar bond
• Hydrogen bond

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