How do atoms of elements form ionic compounds?
The Octet Rule is the basis for the predictions about the charges on ions. Ionic compounds are formed as the result of the formation of positive and negative ions. Electrons are actually transferred from one atom to another to form rare gas electron structures for each ion. The atom which forms a positive ion loses electrons to the atom which gains electrons to form a negative ion. A compound is not stable unless the number of electrons which are lost and gained are equal . Summary Principle of Ionic Compounds. Example: Determine the formula of a compound formed by the reaction of sodium and fluoride. Solution: First examine the electron arrangement of the sodium and fluorine atoms. Symbol Atomic No. Bohr diagram Group No. Lewis Dots Na 11 2 – 8 – 1 1 1 F 9 2 – 7 7 7 Write the Lewis symbol for each atom. See Graphic on the left. Determine the numbers of electrons which the atoms will lose and gain by applying the Octet Rule. Na loses one electron to have an octet. Fluorine gains one el
