Ionic Bond (Electrovalent Bond)
Covers the formation of ionic compounds, factors influencing their stability, and properties.
What is Ionic Bond (Electrovalent Bond)?
A chemical bond formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, resulting from the complete transfer of one or more valence electrons from one atom to another.
Key points
- Understand the mechanism of ionic bond formation.
- Identify the types of elements that form ionic bonds.
- Explain the factors affecting the stability of ionic compounds.
- Describe the characteristic properties of ionic compounds.
Common exam trap
Confusing ionic bond formation with covalent bond formation (sharing of electrons).
Definitions
- Term
Ionic Bond
- Meaning
A chemical bond formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions, resulting from the complete transfer of one or more valence electrons from one atom to another.
- Term
Electrovalent Bond
- Meaning
An alternative term for an ionic bond, emphasizing the electrical nature of the attraction between ions.
- Term
Cation
- Meaning
A positively charged ion formed when an atom loses one or more electrons.
- Term
Anion
- Meaning
A negatively charged ion formed when an atom gains one or more electrons.
- Term
Lattice Enthalpy
- Meaning
The energy released when one mole of an ionic compound is formed from its gaseous ions, or the energy required to break one mole of the ionic compound into its gaseous ions.
Learning objectives
Understand the mechanism of ionic bond formation.
Identify the types of elements that form ionic bonds.
Explain the factors affecting the stability of ionic compounds.
Describe the characteristic properties of ionic compounds.
Prerequisites
Atomic structure (electrons, shells, valence electrons)
Periodic trends (ionization enthalpy, electron gain enthalpy, electronegativity)
Concept of ions (cations and anions)
Common mistakes
Confusing ionic bond formation with covalent bond formation (sharing of electrons).
Assuming all compounds formed between metals and non-metals are purely ionic.
Not considering the role of electronegativity difference.
Forgetting that ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in solid state.
Keywords
Ionic bond
Electrovalent bond
Electron transfer
Cation
Anion
Electrostatic attraction
Lattice energy
Metal
Non-metal
Electronegativity
Crystal lattice
Practice preview
Which of the following statements about the properties of ionic compounds is NOT correct?…
hard
Which of the following statements about ionic bonds is INCORRECT?…
easy
The formation of an ionic bond involves:…
easy