1. Forming Ionic Bonds
When atom gains or loses electrons, it becomes a charged ion.
The charge on the ion explains how many
electrons an atom has gained or lost.
The ionic charge is also called the
oxidation number.
Ionic bonds are formed because of the attraction between a positive ion (cation) and negative ion (anion).

2. Electron Dot Structures for
Ionic Compounds
1. Write the electron dot structure for the metal and nonmetal.
2. Draw an arrow to show how the electron
is transferred.
3. On the other side of the arrow, redraw the
dots for the ions.
There will be no dots on the cation and 8
dots around the anion.
4. Oxidation Numbers (ionic charge) should add up to ZERO!

3. Example Drawing
Oxidation Number (Ionic Charge)

4. Examples: KF
Potassium and Fluorine

5. Examples:
Na2O
Sodium and Oxygen

6. Examples:
BeCl2
Beryllium and Chlorine

7. Examples:
Al2S3
Aluminum and Sulfur [ ] [ ] [ ]