Question

Define an ionic compound.

Answer 1

Hint: The type of bond in between the same or different atoms is going to depend on the electron donating or accepting or sharing property of the respective atoms. The electron sharing or accepting capability for any element is going to depend on the electronegativity value of that atom.

Complete answer:
- In the question it is asked to define the ionic compound.
- There are different types of bonds that exist in molecules, depending on the capability to donate electrons, capability to accept the electrons and capability to share the electrons.
- If the electronegativity of both the atoms which are present in a particular molecule is same, then the electrons are going to be shared in between the atoms and a covalent bond is going to be formed.
- Then the molecule is called covalent compound.
- If the electronegativity of one of the atoms is very high and the electronegativity of the other atom is less than the electrons are going to donate to the atom with high electronegativity.
- The electronegativity difference should be greater than 2.7 in between the atoms to accept the electrons from the other.
- The bond which is going to be formed by accepting or donating the electrons is called an ionic bond.
- The compound which is going to contain all ionic bonds throughout the molecule then the compound is called ionic compound.

Note:
All minerals in nature contain ionic bonds in them. The best example for ionic compounds is HCl (strong acid, Hydrochloric acid). In HCl the chlorine has highest electronegativity when compared to hydrogen.