Question

Define the term electrovalent or ionic bond.

Answer 1

An electrovalent bond is formed when atom transfers one or more electrons to a non-metal atom.
Conditions for formation of Electrovalent Bond

* The atom which changes into cation (+ ive ion) should possess 1, 2 or 3 valency electrons. The other atom which changes into anion (ve ion) should possess 5, 6 or 7 electrons in the valency shell.

* A high difference of electronegativity (about 2) of the two atoms is necessary for the formation of an electrovalent bond. Electrovalent bond is not possible between similar atoms.

* There must be overall decrease in energy i.e., energy must be released.