Properties of an ionic compound.

• Ionic compounds are uniform and the structure is repeated.
• High melting points and boiling points and usually solids at room temperature.

  Melting and boiling point would be high due to the fact that so much energy would be needed to break the strong bonds between ions.
• Conduct electricity when molten or dissolved, not when a solid.

  Even though the ions are charged, they cannot conduct electricity as solid as they cannot move - they are in a fixed position.
• When an ionic compound is melted or dissolved in water (if soluble) they can conduct electricity as the ions are free to move.
• • Usually soluble in water
• Usually soluble in water

  • Water has a positive and negative end so ionic ions attract and dissolve.
• Ionic compounds are hard but brittle

  • Hard ≠ Strong
  • Hard = difficult to scratch or dent
  • Strong = able to take stress without bending or breaking.
• Stress makes same charged ions come close to each other so they repel one another. This is why ionic compounds break apart from flat straight surfaces.