What elements make up ionic compounds?

Question

Jeremiah Adams · Accepted Answer

Typically the ions of metals, and non-metals.........

Metals are electron-rich species that tend to be reducing, and thus typically form #M^+#, #M^(2+)#, and #M^(3+)# ions: #M rarr M^(+) + e^-#; #M rarr M^(2+) + 2e^-# etc..... Non-metals species are typically found on the the righthand side of the Periodic Table as we face it; their (enhanced) nuclear charge tends to make them oxidizing: #X_2 + 2e^(-) rarr 2X^(-)# Given the appropriate stoichiometry, a redox process (i.e. electronic transfer) can result in salt formation: #M+X_2 rarr M^(2+)X_2^(-)#

Cameron Andrews · Answer

undefined Ionic compounds are composed of positively charged ions, called cations, and negatively charged ions, called anions. These ions are typically formed from atoms of metallic and non-metallic elements, respectively. When these oppositely charged ions attract each other, they form strong electrostatic bonds, resulting in the formation of ionic compounds.