Question

Chemical compounds in which anions and cations are held together by electrostatic force of attraction are known as ionic compounds. Cations and anions are charged species which are formed by losing and gaining electron(s) respectively to attain the nearest noble gas configuration or stability. Usually metals lose their valence electrons to form cations while non-metals accept electrons and form anions. Being held by a strong electrostatic force of attraction between ions, ionic compounds have high melting and boiling points.

(iii) To form an ionic compound Z, element Y accepts two electrons from X. Which of the following properties is not shown by Z?

• A. Conducts electricity in molten state
• B. High melting point
• C. Solid at room temperature
• D. Low boiling point

Answer 1

The correct option is D Low boiling point

In an ionic compound, ions are held together by strong electrostatic force of attraction. They have high melting and boiling points because considerable amount of energy is required to break the strong inter-ionic attractions.
These compounds generally exist as crystalline solids. In molten state ions move freely and conduct electricity.