Ionic bonds involve the transfer of electrons rather than sharing them. This type of bond occurs between a metal and a non-metal. The metal atom loses one or more electrons, becoming a positively charged ion (cation), while the non-metal atom gains those electrons, becoming a negatively charged ion (anion). The electrostatic attraction between these oppositely charged ions forms the ionic bond.
For example, in sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl). Sodium becomes a Na⁺ ion, and chlorine becomes a Cl⁻ ion. The attraction between Na⁺ and Cl⁻ creates the ionic bond in NaCl.
In summary, ionic bonds are formed through the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of oppositely charged ions that are held together by electrostatic forces.