Ionic Bonding

Giant ionic lattices

Form a regular lattice

Very strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions in all directions

High melting and boiling points due to the strong attraction between the ions

It takes a large amount of energy to break these bonds

When molten, the ions are free to move and can carry an electric current

Dissolve easily in water - the ions separate and are all free to move in the solution so will carry an electric current

Groups 1&2 and 6&7 are mosty likely to form ions

Have the electronic structure of a noble gas

Group 1&2 elements are metals and lose an electron to form positive ions

Group 6&7 are non metals so gain an electron, forming a negative ion

The charge on the positive ion is the same as the group number

Any of the positive ions can bond with the negative ions to form an ionic compound

Only elements on the opposite sides of the periodic table will form ionic compounds

Overall charge of any compound is zero