What are ionic bonds?

Ionic bonding is a type of chemical bond that occurs between two oppositely charged ions. In ionic bonds there is a compete transfer of electrons in comparison to covalent bonding where there is sharing of electrons.

Ionic bonds are the bonds that are formed during the formation of electrovalent or ionic compounds.

This happens when a metallic atom reacts with a non-metallic atom.Electrovalent compounds are formed due to the high difference in electronegativities between the metallic atoms and the non-metallic atoms.

For example, `NaCl` is an ionic compound.

• The `Na` atom consists of 1 valence electron in its valence shell.
  Thus, `Na` needs to lose this electron to attain octet configuration.
• The `Cl` atom consists of 7 valence electrons in its outermost shell. Thus, `Cl` needs to gain 1 valence electron to attain an octet configuration.

So, the `Na` atom donates `1` electron and attains stable electronic configuration. This electron is accepted by the `Cl` atom. So, `Cl` atom also attains stable electronic configuration. In the process, strong ionic bonds are formed between the two elements, and the crystalline ionic compound, `NaCl` is formed.

You can refer to the image for better understanding:

![www.pinterest.co.uk)

Hope it was of some help!!