Ionic bonds are a type of chemical bond that forms when electrons are transferred from one atom to another, resulting in the creation of charged ions. This usually occurs between a metal and a non-metal.
- The metal atom loses one or more electrons, becoming a positively charged ion (cation).
- The non-metal atom gains those electrons, becoming a negatively charged ion (anion).
The opposite charges of these ions attract each other, creating a strong electrostatic force that holds them together in an ionic compound.
For example:
- Sodium (Na) transfers one electron to chlorine (Cl), forming Na⁺ and Cl⁻, which bond to form sodium chloride (NaCl), or common table salt.
Ionic bonds typically result in compounds with high melting and boiling points, and when dissolved in water, they often conduct electricity due to the presence of free-moving ions.