Ionic Compounds

The following section provides a thorough explanation of ionic compounds, as well as examples.

By dictionary definition, an ionic compound is a compound that consists of ions. They are formed when an atom or molecule either gains or loses electrons. (Chemistry Dictionary). Most elements on the periodic table have an electric charge also known as an ionic charge. Ionic compounds contain one metal and one non-metal element. This is what makes ionic compounds different from covalent ones. There are three different scenarios that can occur with ionic compounds. The first is a binary compound. In a binary compound, you have one simple metal element combining with another simple non - metal element.

Take magnesium chloride for an example:

Mg + Cl2 = MgCl2

This is a binary compound. You may notice that the chlorine has 2 beside it, and that is because chlorine is a diatomic atom, which means it comes in pairs of two.

Here is a list of diatomic atoms:

Diatomic Ion: Formula:

Hydrogen H2

Nitrogen N2

Carbon C2

Oxygen O2

Iodine I2

Chlorine Cl2

Bromine Br2

The second type of ionic compound is a multivalent compound. Some elements have more than one ionic charge, and these kinds of ionic compounds are a little more complex.

An example of a multivalent compound is Iron (II) Chloride:

Fe + Cl2 = FeCl2

This is still a binary compound even though multiple charges are present in a single element.

The last kind of ionic compound is a polyatomic compound. A polyatomic ion is an ion that contains usually only non-metals that are covalently bonded with each other. In compounds like these, there are more than one atoms of different elements combined with each other.

Click here for the names and formulas of common polyatomic ions:

Take sodium nitrate as an example:

Na + NO3 = NaNO3

This example has a NO3 molecule which is a polyatomic ion that is being added to a metal, making an ionic compound.

Works Cited:

Chemistry Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.chemicool.com/definition/ionic-compounds.html

Chemistry Dictionary. (n.d.). Retrieved from

https://www.chemicool.com/definition/ion.html

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