Ions are electrically charged particles formed when atoms lose or gain electrons

 Positive (cations) are when atoms lose electrons

 Negative (anions) are when atoms gain electrons

Definition of an ionic bond:

“ The ionic bond is the electrostatic force of attraction of a positively charged metal ion and
a negatively charged non metal ion.”

Ionic compounds have a high melting and boiling point because of the strong electrostatic
forces of attraction holding the lattice together. This requires a lot of energy to break apart
the strong electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions in the great
lattice structure.

- Ionic compounds are mostly crystalline

- Ionic compounds tend to be brittle. This is because any small distortion of a crystal
will bring ions of the same charge alongside each other.
Like charges repel, so the crystal splits itself apart.
- Ionic compounds are soluble in water
- Ionic compounds are insoluble in organic solvents
- Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten (when melted) or aqueous
(dissolved in water). The ions are free to move and they are not in a fixed position.

Compounds with ionic bonding always have a giant ionic structure.

The ions are held in a closely packed 3d lattice arrangement, by the attraction of strong
electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions.
The electrostatic force of attraction between oppositely charged ions is very strong.
The structure of an ionic bond is described as a “giant ionic structure”.