* Metals tend to lose electrons, forming positively charged ions called cations.
* Nonmetals tend to gain electrons, forming negatively charged ions called anions.
The strong electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms an ionic bond.
Examples of molecules with ionic bonds:
* Sodium chloride (NaCl): Sodium (Na) is a metal and chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal. Sodium loses an electron to become Na+, and chlorine gains an electron to become Cl-. The electrostatic attraction between these ions forms the ionic bond in NaCl.
* Magnesium oxide (MgO): Magnesium (Mg) is a metal and oxygen (O) is a nonmetal. Magnesium loses two electrons to become Mg2+, and oxygen gains two electrons to become O2-.
* Potassium bromide (KBr): Potassium (K) is a metal and bromine (Br) is a nonmetal. Potassium loses an electron to become K+, and bromine gains an electron to become Br-.
Key characteristics of ionic compounds:
* High melting and boiling points: The strong electrostatic attractions require a lot of energy to break.
* Hard and brittle: The rigid lattice structure makes them resistant to scratching but prone to shattering.
* Conduct electricity when dissolved or molten: The free ions can move and carry electric current.
Let me know if you'd like more examples or want to discuss specific molecules!
