ioonühendist

An ionic compound is a chemical compound composed of ions held together by electrostatic forces known as ionic bonds. These compounds typically form between a metal and a nonmetal. The metal atom tends to lose electrons, forming a positively charged ion called a cation, while the nonmetal atom tends to gain electrons, forming a negatively charged ion called an anion. The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions is the ionic bond, which results in a stable, neutral compound.

The crystal lattice structure is characteristic of ionic compounds. In this structure, each cation is surrounded by anions, and each anion is surrounded by cations, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that maximizes the attractive forces and minimizes repulsive forces. This ordered arrangement contributes to the distinct physical properties of ionic compounds, such as high melting and boiling points, hardness, and brittleness. Ionic compounds are typically soluble in polar solvents like water, as the polar solvent molecules can surround and separate the ions. When dissolved or molten, ionic compounds conduct electricity because the mobile ions are able to carry an electrical charge. In their solid state, they do not conduct electricity as the ions are fixed in the crystal lattice.