What are the properties of ionic compounds?

As you may know, ionic compounds are composed of electrostatic forces of attraction between oppositely charged ions. This means that there are no free moving ions in the compound, as they have all been bonded with other ions. Without free moving ions, compounds cannot conduct electricity - this is the first property. As the forces of attraction between the ions are strong, ionic compounds also have high melting and boiling points, as a lot of energy is required to break these bonds. Ionic compounds are also solid at room temperature, due to it being a giant ionic lattice.

SH
Answered by Shan H. Chemistry tutor

3471 Views

See similar Chemistry GCSE tutors

Related Chemistry GCSE answers

All answers ▸

An isotope of Nitrogen has an atomic number of 7 and a mass number of 15. How many electrons, neutrons, and protons does an atom of this isotope have?


Why does Sodium Chloride have high melting point?


Graphite and diamond are both made from carbon atoms. Why can graphite conduct electricity while diamond cannot?


Describe what happens when 2 atoms of potassium react with 1 atom of sulphur? Give the answer in terms of electron transfer.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning