You're close, but the way electrons are transferred in the formation of ionic compounds like sodium chloride (NaCl) is a bit different. Here's a breakdown:

* Sodium (Na) has 11 protons and 11 electrons. It wants to lose one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration like the noble gas neon (Ne).

* Chlorine (Cl) has 17 protons and 17 electrons. It wants to gain one electron to achieve a stable electron configuration like the noble gas argon (Ar).

When sodium and chlorine react, sodium *loses* an electron, becoming a positively charged sodium ion (Na+) with 10 electrons. Chlorine *gains* that electron, becoming a negatively charged chloride ion (Cl-) with 18 electrons.

It's important to note that:

* Electrons are not truly "donated" in the sense of a complete transfer. Instead, the sodium atom loses its outer electron, which is then attracted to the chlorine atom's nucleus.

* Ionic bonds are formed by the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions. The positive sodium ion (Na+) and the negative chloride ion (Cl-) attract each other, forming the ionic compound sodium chloride (NaCl).

In summary:

* Sodium *loses* one electron and becomes Na+ (10 electrons).

* Chlorine *gains* one electron and becomes Cl- (18 electrons).

* The resulting opposite charges are what create the ionic bond in NaCl.