Properties of ionic compounds

Properties of ionic compounds are as follows.

• Ionic compounds are solids and hard due to the strong attracting force between the positive and negative ions. These compounds are generally brittle and break into pieces on application of pressure.
• Ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points because a application of significant amount of energy can break the strong inter-ionic attraction.
• Ionic compounds are soluble in water but insoluble in solvents like kerosene, petrol, etc.
• Conduction of electricity through a solution is possible when there is movement of charged particles. Ionic compounds in the solid state do not conduct electricity because movement of ions in the solid is not possible due to their rigid structure.
• A solution of an ionic compound in water contains ions, which move to the opposite electrodes when electricity is passed through the solution. Ionic compounds conduct electricity in the molten state as in the molten state the electrostatic forces of attraction between the oppositely charged ions overcome due to the heat. Thus, the ions move freely and conduct electricity.