The Ionic Bond
An ionic bond is formed by transfer of electrons from one atom to another
atom in the molecule.
Consider the formation of potassium chloride. An electron is transferred from
potassium atom to chlorine atom. The resulting K+
and Cl- ions possessing configuration of
argon (2,8,8) combine to form an electrovalent compound as shown below :
Figures in the parenthesis indicate electron distribution in different
orbitals (Electronic configuration) in ground state.
Another example :
The total number of electrons lost by Lithium must equal the total number of
electrons gained by Bromine. Thus the number of Lithium ions produced is the
same as the number of bromide ions produced. These ions attract each other to
form crystals as shown below.
|
