5.2 Ionic bonding and structure

• Metal atoms lose electrons forming positive ions
• Non-metal atoms gain electrons forming negative ions
• An ionic bond is the electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions
• Dot and cross diagrams of ionic compounds have charges represented in the top right with the outer electrons
• Ions in an ionic compound form a repeating structure called a giant ionic lattice
• In an ionic compound, each ion is surrounded by ions of opposite charge
• Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points because a large amount of energy is required to break the strong ionic bonds
• Ionic compounds are soluble in polar solvents like water, but insoluble in non-polar solvents like ethanol
• Ionic compounds don't conduct electricity because the ions are in fixed positions
• Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or dissolved because the ions are free to move and carry charge