A compound held together by ionic bonds is called an ionic compound. Ionic bonds are formed when one atom transfers one or more electrons to another atom, resulting in the formation of positively charged ions (cations) and negatively charged ions (anions). These oppositely charged ions are then attracted to each other, creating a strong electrostatic force that holds the compound together.
Common examples of ionic compounds include table salt (sodium chloride, NaCl), where sodium (Na) donates an electron to chlorine (Cl), forming Na⁺ and Cl⁻ ions. These ions then bond together to form the ionic compound NaCl.
Ionic compounds typically have high melting and boiling points, are often soluble in water, and can conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted, due to the movement of the ions.