* Aluminum (Al) is a metal, and metals tend to lose electrons to form positively charged ions (cations).
* Hydroxide (OH-) is a polyatomic ion with a negative charge.
The strong electrostatic attraction between the positively charged aluminum ions (Al3+) and the negatively charged hydroxide ions (OH-) forms the ionic bond.
However, it's important to note that there can also be a degree of covalent bonding within the hydroxide ion (OH-) itself. The oxygen and hydrogen atoms within the hydroxide ion share electrons, contributing to the overall structure of aluminum hydroxide.
Therefore, while the primary bond type in aluminum hydroxide is ionic, there's also a component of covalent bonding within the hydroxide ion.