4.

1 Ionic bonding and structure

Valence electrons can be transferred during chemical reactions.

o This means that the atom is no longer neutral and thus has charge.
The charge depends on how many electrons are gained or lost (+2,
-2 etc.)
o The atom is now an ion and ionization has happened.
Cations are positive ions; anions are negative ions.
(CAT PAWsitive, aNiOns NEGATIVE)
o Atoms react to form ions so that they can achieve group 8s stable,
valence shell.

An ionic bond is given due to the electrostatic attraction between oppositely

charged ions.
o This means that they dont need to donate electrons to be considered
bonded, there just needs to be attraction.
o This also means that it is wrong to refer to ionic bonds as molecules.
o Ions will surround themselves with ions of opposite charges, forming a 3
dimensional lattice.
Ions are bonded to oppositely charged ions from every side they
can (normal 4, front and back)

Group 14 generally doesnt form ions, as they are the nice in between.
o They carry 4 electrons, so it is very rare when they do form ions, when
they do they dont usually achieve a full outer shell. More on this later.

Transition metals have variable oxidation numbers due to the closeness of the D
and S subshells.
o Oxidation numbers can be distinguished by the colour of the substance.
o They are also given in Roman numerals in brackets. Like Copper (I) oxide.

Ions that are made up of more than one atom are called polyatomic.
o These include ions like HN3o They are very common and may occur naturally.

Ionic formulae represent the simplest ratio of ions present.

o There are too many ions to count, so to comprehend it we use the simplest
bonding ratio.
o The formula unit is basically the empirical formula.
Ionic compounds have several characteristics such as:
Are solids
Have a lattice structure
High melting point
High boiling point
Low volatility
Dont conduct electricity in solid state.
Soluble in water