* Magnetic properties arise from unpaired electrons: Magnetic materials have unpaired electrons in their atoms. These unpaired electrons create tiny magnetic dipoles that can align with each other, creating a macroscopic magnetic field.
* Ionic bonds involve electron transfer: In ionic compounds, like iron bromide, electrons are transferred from one atom to another. This results in the formation of ions with full outer electron shells.
* No unpaired electrons in ions: Because the ions in FeBr₂ have complete electron shells, there are no unpaired electrons. Without unpaired electrons, there is no possibility for the formation of magnetic dipoles and hence, no magnetism.
In contrast, metallic iron is magnetic because it has unpaired electrons in its metallic bonding. These unpaired electrons can align, creating a strong magnetic field.
