The compound SrI2 (Strontium Iodide) is considered ionic in nature. This conclusion is based on several factors relating to the properties and behavior of its constituent elements.
Strontium (Sr) is an alkaline earth metal and has a strong tendency to lose its two outermost electrons, forming a Sr2+ ion. On the other hand, iodine (I) is a non-metal that typically gains an electron to form an I– ion. When these two elements combine, strontium donates its electrons to iodine, resulting in the formation of Sr2+ and 2 I– ions.
In ionic compounds, the electrostatic attraction between positively charged cations and negatively charged anions occurs, which is the case in SrI2. Once strontium loses its electrons, the resultant positive charge creates a strong attraction for the negatively charged iodide ions, leading to the formation of an ionic bond.
Moreover, the characteristics of SrI2 such as its high melting and boiling points, as well as its electrical conductivity when melted or dissolved in water, further provide evidence of its ionic nature. These properties are commonly found in ionic compounds, supporting the classification of SrI2 as ionic rather than covalent.