What type of bond forms salts such as NaCl?

Salts like sodium chloride (NaCl) are formed through ionic bonds, which occur when one atom donates an electron to another atom, resulting in the formation of charged particles called ions. In the case of NaCl, sodium (Na) donates one electron, becoming a positively charged sodium ion (Na⁺), while chlorine (Cl) accepts that electron, becoming a negatively charged chloride ion (Cl⁻). The opposite charges of these ions result in a strong electrostatic attraction, which holds them together, forming an ionic bond.

This type of bond is characterized by the transfer of electrons and the creation of ions with opposite charges that assemble into a crystalline structure, typical of many salts. Such ionic compounds tend to have high melting and boiling points due to the strength of the ionic interaction, and they can conduct electricity when dissolved in water, owing to the mobility of ions. Understanding the nature of ionic bonds provides insight into the typical properties of ionic compounds, such as their solubility in water and their generally high melting points.