Ionic bonds form when atoms transfer electrons between each other, forming ions that are electrically attracted to each other forming a bond between them. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a typical ionic compound. The picture below shows both a sodium and a chlorine ion.
Explanation:
ionic bond
Because of the propensity of sodium to lose an electron and of chlorine to gain an electron, the elements are well suited to bond with one another. This transfer of electrons results in the formation of the ionic bond holding Na+ and Cl– together.
An ionic bond occurs between sodium and chlorine where sodium has one electron while chlorine has seven electrons. The electron from sodium is lost and transferred to a chlorine atom which results in a sodium ion with a charge of one+ and a chloride ion with a charge of one-. These oppositely charged ions attract each other making a balanced charge to make a compound that is electrically neutral.. Sodium cation (Na+) and chlorine anion (Cl-) are attracted to each another to form sodium chloride (table salt). When dissolved in water, the sodium and chloride ions are strongly attracted to the polar water molecules because of ion-dipole interactions.
