Properties and Uses

Properties of Ionic Compounds

Wai Chak Fai (16)Ken Yuen (21)

ContentDefinition of ionic compoundsProperty of ionic compound

In crystal formSolubility in waterHigh melting and boiling pointConductivity of electricity

Use of ionic compoundUse as dryersUse to make pans

Definition:An ionic compound is a chemical compound in which ions are held together in a lattice structure by ionic bonds.

•Ions in ionic compounds are held together by the electrostatic force between oppositely charged bodies.

PropertiesIn crystal formMost of the ionic compounds are in crystal form.

Sodium ChlorideCupric chloride

Hard and brittleThey are very hard and firm.Each cation and anion are closely joined

together by electrostatic force, thus it is hard to break down them.

Solubility in waterThey are soluble in many medium.For example:

Sodium Chloride can dissolve in: glycerol, ethylene glycol, formic acid, water.

Lead(II) Bromide can dissolve in:ammonia, alkali, KBr, NaBr

High melting and boiling pointFor example:

Sodium Chloride Melting point: 801℃Boiling point: 1465℃

Lead(II) BromideMelting point: 373 ℃ Boiling point: 916 ℃

Conductivity of electricityThey can conduct

electricity when they are in molten or aqueous form.

This process is called as electrolysis.

Uses of ionic compoundThey can be used as dryers.

As they are soluble in water, they can “absorb” the water vapors in the air. That’s why salt becomes dissolved when it is exposed to the air directly.

Ionic compounds can carry out electrolysis to make metals and other useful materials e.g. chlorine.

They can be used to replace wires as they conduct electricity in aqueous form.

Cons: They will be decomposed and give out energy when the electrical current or voltage is too high.

They can be used to make saucepans and pans.They can resist high temperature.

They are also very hard and brittle.

ConclusionWe think that the main features of ionic

compound are: the conductivity of electricity and the high melting and boiling point.

Their combining methods (ionic bond) are different form covalent bond.

We can make use of their features.

The End