Ionic Compounds

Formation of Ionic Compounds Ionic compounds are composed of cations (metals) and anions (nonmetals). Although they are composed of ions, ionic compounds are electrically neutral. The positive charge equals the negative.

Formation of Ionic Compounds (cont.) The positive charge and the negative charge attract one another. This is how the bond is formed.

Formula Units Chemists represent the composition of substances by writing a chemical formula. A chemical formula shows the kinds and number of atoms in a substance. Ionic compounds exists as collection of negative and positive charge arranged in repeated patterns. The chemical formula for an ionic compound, the formula unit, represents the smallest whole number ratio.

Properties of Ionic Compounds Most ionic compounds are crystalline solids at room temperature Ionic compounds generally have high melting points. Ionic Compounds can conduct electricity when melted or dissolved. This is because ionic compounds break down into their IONS when melted or dissolved in water.