Ionic compounds have high melting points: Explain why and explain why Calcium Oxide has a higher melting point than Lithium Chloride
Ionic compounds are formed when electrostatic attractions form between oppositely charged ions. These attractions are strong and so require a large amount of energy to break. This energy is provided in the high melting temperature.CaO has a higher melting point than LiCl due to the Ca2+ ion. This ion has a greater charge than Li+ and so forms stronger attractions. The stronger the attraction, the more energy required to overcome it.
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