Question

Give an example of an ionic compound that does not contain a metal.

Short answer

Ammonium chloride ( ext{NH}_4 ext{Cl}) is an ionic compound without a metal.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds are formed when atoms transfer electrons between one another, resulting in a bond between positively and negatively charged ions. These compounds usually consist of a metal and a non-metal, but not always.

Identify Non-Metal Ionic Compound Partners

To find an ionic compound without metals, we need a compound where non-metal ions can fulfill this role. A good example is ammonium chloride, where ammonium acts as a cation and chloride as an anion.

Compose the Ionic Compound

In ammonium chloride ( ext{NH}_4 ext{Cl}), the ammonium ion ( ext{NH}_4^+) acts as a positive ion, and the chloride ion ( ext{Cl}^-) acts as the negative ion. These form an ionic bond, but neither the ammonium nor the chloride is a metal.

Key concepts

Non-Metal Ions

Ionic compounds often include non-metal ions in their composition. Non-metal ions are formed when non-metal atoms gain or lose electrons. These ions can either be positive (cations) or negative (anions). When a non-metal gains an electron, it typically forms a negative ion. For example, the chloride ion (\( ext{Cl}^- \)) is a common non-metal ion. In ionic compounds, non-metal ions like chloride play an essential role in balancing the charges by pairing with a positively charged ion to form a stable compound.

Electron Transfer

The formation of ionic compounds hinges on the process of electron transfer. This involves one atom giving up electrons, becoming a positive ion, and another atom gaining electrons, becoming a negative ion. The electron transfer results in an attractive force between these oppositely charged ions, creating a bond known as an ionic bond. This bond stabilizes the compound, creating an arrangement where the total charge is balanced, typically observed in compounds like salts.

Ammonium Chloride

Ammonium chloride (\( ext{NH}_4 ext{Cl} \)) is an illustrative example of an ionic compound that does not involve metals. Instead, it consists of the ammonium ion (\( ext{NH}_4^+ \)), a polyatomic ion that acts as the cation, and the chloride ion (\( ext{Cl}^- \)), which is the anion. This combination highlights that ionic compounds can form without the presence of metals. Ammonium chloride is often used in fertilizers and as a flavoring agent in the food industry, showcasing the practical applications of non-metal ionic compounds.

Cation and Anion

In ionic chemistry, the terms cation and anion are used to describe the two types of ions that make up ionic compounds. A cation is a positively charged ion, formed when an atom loses electrons. On the other hand, an anion carries a negative charge, as it results from an atom gaining electrons. These oppositely charged ions attract each other, resulting in a strong ionic bond. This essential concept ensures the structural integrity of ionic compounds. Recognizing the roles of cations and anions helps in understanding how compounds like ammonium chloride are formed, as the ammonium group acts as a cation, while chloride serves as the anion.