Is MgC12 an ionic bond

Answer 1

Magnesium chloride is definitely ionic. Magnesium, a metal in group II of the Periodic Table has two outer shell electrons which are easily lost giving a stable Mg2+ ion with an electroic configuration of 2,8 (1s2, 2s2, 2p6). These two electrons need non metal hosts to accept them. Chlorine , a non-metallic gas in group VII, readily accepts one electron to form a stable ion, Cl-, with an electronic configuration of 2,8,8 (1s2, 2s2,2p6, 3s2, 3p6). One chlorine accepts one electron so to accept the two electrons from magnesium, two atoms of chlorine are needed, forming two Cl- ions.

After reaction, we have one Mg2+ ion and two Cl- ions. Empirical formula MgCl2. The bonds are strong attractions between positive and negative ions, ie IONIC BONDS.