Ionic Bonding
1. Ionic bonds are formed by one atom transferring electrons to another atom to form ions. Ions are
atoms, or groups of atoms, which have lost or gained electrons.
2. The atom losing electrons forms a positive ion (a cation) and is usually a metal. The overall
charge on the ion is positive due to excess positive nuclear charge (protons do NOT change in
chemical reactions).
3. The atom gaining electrons forms a negative ion (an anion) and is usually a non-metallic
element. The overall charge on the ion is negative because of the gain, and therefore excess, of
negative electrons.
4. Ions of opposite charge will attract one another, thus creating an ionic bond.
5. The examples below combining a metal from Groups 1 (Alkali Metals), or 2, with a non-metal
from Group 6 or Group 7 (The Halogens)
Example:
A Group 1 metal + a Group 7 non-metal A Group 2 metal + a Group 7 non-metal
1
A Group 2 metal + a Group 6 non-metal Predicting The Formula for Ionic
Compound
Element that combine Formula of
Charge Charge the ionic
Element of the Element of the compound
X from ion Y from ion
Group Group
I V
Group Group
I VI
Group Group
I VII
Group Group
II V
Group Group
1. In terms of electron arrangement, one II VI
Magnesium atom donates its two outer Group Group
electrons to one oxygen atom. II VII
2. This results in a double positive magnesium Group Group
ion to one double negative oxide ion. III V
3. All the ions have the stable electronic Group Group
structures 2.8.8 (argon like) or 2.8 (neon III VI
like). the valency of both calcium and Group Group
oxygen is 2. III VII
MgO, MgS, or CaS will be similar
electronically (S and O both in Group 6)
Example 1
Example 3
Example 2
2
Example 4
Exercise
1 The formation of the charged particles to 3 In which of the following sets do all the
produce an ionic compound is due to compounds contain only ionic bonds?
A the charging of the atoms by friction A calcium oxide, carbon dioxide,
as they collide with each other. magnesium oxide
B the sharing of electrons between B calcium oxide, magnesium oxide,
metallic and non-metallic atoms sodium chloride
C the passage of an electric current C carbon dioxide, copper(II) sulphate,
through the compound. hydrogen chloride
D the action of water on the compound D carbon dioxide, copper(II) sulphate,
when it dissolves. sodium chloride
E the transfer of electrons from metallic E copper(II) sulphate, hydrogen
to non-metallic atoms. chloride, magnesium oxide
Exercise
1 E 3 B
2 E 4 B