Ionic bonding
Involves transfer of one or more electrons from outer shell of one atom to outer shell of another atom
- transfer of these electrons results in formation of positive and negative ions
Cations
formed when metals lose valence electrons
Anions
formed when non-metals gain electrons
Ionic bond
Electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
Ionic compounds
Composed of a metal and non-metal element (electrically neutral)
Exception to metal and non-metal rule:
Ammonium chloride- has both types of bonding
- ionic bonding between the ions
- covalent bonding in the ammonium ion
Octet rule
States that atoms are more stable with the electron configuration of a noble gas
Structure of ionic compounds
Under normal conditions, ionic compounds are usually solids w/ lattice structures
- ions that make up an ionic compound are arranged in a regular crystalline structure, lattice structure
Polyatomic ions
Ions that consist of more than one atom
Formula of an ionic compound
Physical properties of ionic compounds
Melting point and boiling point
Volatility
How easily a substance evaporates
- ionic compounds have very low volatility because of strong forces of attraction between ions in lattice structure
Solubility
Not all ionic compounds dissolve in water
Non-polar solvents
Non-polar solvents can’t disrupt lattice structure, hence solubility of ionic substances eg. hexane and propanone is limited
Solubility and solvents
Polar substances are soluble in polar solvents
Non-polar substances are soluble in non-polar solvents
Electrical conductivity
Depends on presence of mobile ions
Brittleness
Ionic compounds tend to shatter when a force is applied- are said to be brittle
General properties of ionic compounds
Why are ionic compounds soluble in water?
Water molecules are attracted to oppositely charged ions causing them to dissolve
Why are ionic compounds good electrical conductors?
When molten/in solution, ions are free to move about
- when solid, ions are held in fixed positions in lattice structure
Why are ionic compounds solids at room temperature?
Ions are held in fixed positions by strong electrostatic attractions in lattice structure
Why do ionic compounds have high MP and BP?
Ions are attracted to each other by strong electrostatic attractions
- large amounts of energy are needed to separate them
Why are ionic compounds brittle?
Repulsion between ions of same charge causes lattice structure to split and fracture
Covalent bonding
Occurs between non-metal elements and results in formation of molecules and giant covalent structures
- occurs between elements with a difference in electronegativity of fewer than 1.8 units