Key Properties of Ionic Compounds

1. HIGH MELTING AND BOILING POINTS:

• There are STRONG ELECTROSTATIC FORCES of attraction between the OPPOSITELY CHARGED ions which require a LARGE amount of ENERGY to overcome.

2. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY when MOLTEN or AQUEOUS:

• MOLTEN means MELTED to liquid.
• AQUEOUS means DISSOLVED in water to make a SOLUTION.
• When ionic compounds are MOLTEN or AQUEOUS, the IONS are FREE TO MOVE, meaning they can CARRY A CHARGE and conduct electricity.

3. ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY when SOLID:

• IONS in the solid are FIXED meaning the IONS are NOT free to move, so they CAN’T carry a charge and conduct electricity.

4. SOLUBILITY:

• Many ionic compounds CAN DISSOLVE in water, allowing the ions to separate and move freely.