1
$\begingroup$

How to represent/ show an ionic bond visually? For example in NaCl

$\endgroup$

2 Answers 2

3
$\begingroup$

Some examples are as follows, $$ \ce{[Na]+ [Cl]-} \, , \\ \ce{[Mg]^2+ 2[Cl]-} \, , \\ \ce{3[Mg]^2+ 2[N]^3-} \, . $$ Hopefully you get the idea, so a general rule is: $$ \text{#ions}[\text{element symbol}]^{\text{magnitude of cation charge}} \text{#ions}[\text{element symbol}]^{\text{magnitude of anion charge}} \, . $$

$\endgroup$
1
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ I appreciate your answer but my concern is how to represent in 3D model. Let's say Sodium acetate,the ionic bond between Na+ and O- .You may refer jmol for 3D models. $\endgroup$
    – user17456
    Jul 15, 2015 at 4:23
3
$\begingroup$

Concerning the depiction of ionic bonds, the Graphical Representation Standards for Chemical Structure Diagrams (IUPAC Recommendations 2008) read as follows:

Structures that are known to be ionic should be depicted as such. They should be drawn with atoms bearing explicit positive and negative charges, and there should be a space (rather than a bond) between those atoms.

depiction of ionic bonds

$\endgroup$
2
  • $\begingroup$ I think you should expand the quote to include some points from the next section "GR-7.2 Positioning of components" as well, namely: 1) that there are two ways to position components and 2) what is the recommended way of drawing salts with more than two components. $\endgroup$
    – Wildcat
    Jul 14, 2015 at 9:39
  • $\begingroup$ I appreciate your answer but my concern is how to represent in 3D model. Let's say Sodium acetate,the ionic bond between Na+ and O- .You may refer jmol for 3D models. $\endgroup$
    – user17456
    Jul 15, 2015 at 4:17

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.