* Electronegativity Difference: Magnesium (Mg) is a metal with a low electronegativity, while chlorine (Cl) is a nonmetal with a high electronegativity. The large difference in electronegativity between them leads to the transfer of electrons from magnesium to chlorine.

* Formation of Ions: Magnesium loses two electrons to form a positively charged magnesium ion (Mg²⁺). Chlorine gains one electron each to form negatively charged chloride ions (Cl⁻).

* Electrostatic Attraction: The oppositely charged ions attract each other through electrostatic forces, forming an ionic bond and creating the ionic compound MgCl₂.

Key Takeaways:

* Compounds formed between metals and nonmetals are typically ionic.

* Large electronegativity differences usually indicate ionic bonding.

* Ionic compounds involve the transfer of electrons and the formation of ions.