2.4.1

Properties of Ionic Compounds - Structure & Bond

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Properties of Ionic Compounds: Structure and Bonding

Ionic compounds form strong crystal lattices and have high melting points due to strong bonds. They conduct electricity only when molten or dissolved in water.

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Ionic compounds structure

  • Ionic compounds form a giant lattice of positive and negative ions.
  • Opposite charges attract, creating strong ionic bonds.
  • The ions arrange regularly in a 3D pattern.
  • This structure is very stable and affects the compound's properties.
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High melting and boiling points

  • Ions in ionic compounds attract strongly.
  • Ionic bonds require a lot of heat energy to break.
    • This results in high melting points and boiling points.
    • Example: Sodium chloride melts at 801°C.
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Electrical conductivity in solid state

  • In solid ionic compounds, ions cannot move freely.
    • Ions are locked in place in the lattice.
  • Solid ionic compounds do not conduct electricity.
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Electrical conductivity when molten or aqueous

  • Ionic compounds conduct electricity when molten or dissolved.
    • Heat melts the lattice, freeing the ions.
    • Water breaks the lattice apart, allowing ions to move.
  • Free ions carry electric current effectively.
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Summary of properties and reasons

  • Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points due to strong ionic bonds.
  • They do not conduct electricity when solid because ions are fixed.
  • They conduct electricity when molten or dissolved because ions move freely.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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