Properties of ionic compounds

All ionic compounds contain charged particles called ions. Ions have one or more positive charges or one or more negative charges. The oppositely charged ions in ionic compounds are held together by strong electrostatic forces of attraction called ionic bonds.

In ionic compounds, huge numbers of ions are arranged in a giant structure or lattice. This has a regular pattern and so ionic compounds form crystals.

The electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ion are strong and a lot of energy is needed to overcome these forces in order to separate the ions and cause the substance to melt. Therefore, ionic compounds must be heated at high temperatures before they change state. They have high melting and boiling points

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