Ionic bonds are formed when positive and negative ions^* attract^* each other.

• Ionic compounds are usually made of a metal and a nonmetal.
• Polyatomic ions can replace either the metal or nonmetal or sometimes both.

The ions in ionic compounds are held together in a strong network of positive and negative charges.

• This structure gives ionic compounds very high melting points
• They are almost always solids at room temperature.

Ionic compounds are sometimes called salts. Table salt and epsom salt are examples of this type of compound.