Sunday Emmanuel

@sundayemmanuel · 22 Nov 2021

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What is ionic?

Ionic compounds are ion compounds. This ion is formed by the combination of positive and negative ion which is held together by a strong electrostatic force of attraction. The oppositely charged ions do not pair p to form molecules because they exert their force of attraction equally in all directions. Ionic compounds exist mainly as solid at room temperature. The positive and negative ions are arranged in an orderly pattern to form a three-dimensional crystal lattice. A positive ion will be surrounded by negative ions while a negative ion will be surrounded by positive ions. The crystals of ionic compounds are hard and brittle. If a force is applied to such crystal, it does not change the shape of the crystal but it can shatter or fracture the crystal.

The following are characteristics of ionic compounds:

- They have high boiling and melting point.

- They readily dissolve in water except a few like magnesium oxide which does not readily dissolve in water and this is because the energy needed to break up the bonds is greater than the energy
liberated on the hydration of ions.

- They conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water so they are called electrolytes.
Examples of ionic compounds include: Sodium chloride, magnesium oxide, magnesium chloride, and
many more.