The splitting of ionic compounds into ions is called dissociation. Dissociation is a chemical process in which a compound breaks down or splits into its constituent ions. This process occurs when an ionic compound is dissolved in a solvent, such as water. When an ionic compound dissolves in water, the water molecules surround the ions of the compound and pull them apart, causing the compound to dissociate into its constituent ions. The ions that are formed are then free to move independently of each other in the solution.