4.

1 Ionic Bonding
Syllabus Statements:
4.1.1 Describe the ionic bond as the electrostatic attraction between oppositely
charged ions
4.1.2 Describe how ions can be formed as a result of electron transfer
4.1.3 Deduce which ions will be formed when elements in Groups 1, 2 and 3 lose
electrons
4.1.4 Deduce which ions will be formed when elements in Groups 5, 6 and 7 gain
electrons
4.1.5 State that transition elements can form more than one ion
4.1.6 Predict whether a compound of two elements would be ionic from the
position of the elements in the Periodic Table or from their electronegativity
values
4.1.7 State the formula of common polyatomic ions formed by non-metals in
periods 2 and 3
4.1.8 Describe the lattice structure of ionic compounds

Anions Negative Ions

Cations Positive Ions

4.1.1 Describe the ionic bond as the electrostatic attraction between

oppositely charged ions
Ionic compounds are composed of positive ions (cations) and negative ions
(anions) that are held together because opposite charges attract (electrostatic
attraction). An ionic bond forms between the anion and the cation when they
form to make an ionic compound
4.1.2 Describe how ions can be formed as a result of electron transfer
Loss of electrons from an atom = anions (-) ending in ide
Gaining of electrons of an atom = cations (+) ending in ion
Non-metals tend to form anions and metals tend to form cations
Cations and Anions are attracted to each other (electrostatic attraction) and aim
to form a bond
4.1.3 Deduce which ions will be formed when elements in Groups 1, 2
and 3 lose electrons
Groups 1, 2 & 3 are essentially all metals except hydrogen and boron and metals
form ions by losing electrons
Elements in groups 1, 2 & 3 form ions with the electron configuration
isoelectronic (the same) as a noble gas to obtain a full outer shell
[] = isoelectronic
Eg: If K loses 1 electron it becomes [Ar] giving it an electron configuration of
2:8:8 and a full outer shell and a 1+ charge.
Group 3 metals always lose 3 electrons to become an ion and this applies to
metals such as allium, indium and thallium (dont need to know why).
4.1.4 Deduce which ions will be formed when elements in Groups 5, 6
and 7 gain electrons
Groups 5, 6 & 7 still form ions with the electron configuration isoelectronic to a
noble gas however they do this by gaining electrons
They follow the same rule as group 1, 2 & 3 however they end in ide due to
them being anions.
4.1.5 State that transition elements can form more than one ion
Transition metals metals in middle of periodic table such as Iron, Manganese,
Gold, etc

The normal 'rules' do not apply to the transition metals as they can form more
than one type of ion.
Eg: Fe2+ and Fe3+
The Iron atoms have lost either two electrons (in the case of Fe2+) or three
electrons (in the case of Fe3+). This is possible for all of the transition metals.
Iron II compounds (containing Fe2+ ions) - usually pale green
Iron III compounds (containing Fe3+ ions) usually yellow, orange or red
4.1.6 Predict whether a compound of two elements would be ionic from
the position of the elements in the Periodic Table or from their
electronegativity values
Compounds with EN difference of 1.8 or more ionic
Compounds with EN difference less than 1.8 covalent
Eg: Francium and Fluorine
Francium has the lowest electronegativity and Fluorine has the highest
electronegativity so Franciums valence electron is transferred to Fluorine
creating an Fr+ ion and an F- ion. These are the most ionic due to them having
the biggest difference in electronegativity.
*Noble gases dont react
4.1.7 State the formula of common polyatomic ions formed by nonmetals in periods 2 and 3
Type of ion

Formula

Nitrate
Hydroxide
Sulfate
Carbonate
Phosphate
Ammonium
Hydrogen carbonate

NO3OHSO42CO32PO43NH4+
HCO3-

4.1.8 Describe the lattice structure of ionic compounds

Ionic structures are usually hard, brittle, high melting point and conduct
electricity when melted (molten) or when dissolved in water.
Eg: NaCl
NaCl lattice is a cubic structure where the chloride ions (negative ions) are
electrostatically attracted to the sodium ions (positive ions) to form a pattern.

The lattice energies of ionic compounds are relatively large, however adding
higher energies to bonds can weaken them and cause the ions to become free.