What do ionic bonds primarily create?

Ionic bonds primarily create compounds. This occurs when atoms transfer electrons from one to another, resulting in the formation of charged ions. These ions—cations (positively charged) and anions (negatively charged)—are attracted to each other due to their opposite charges. This strong electrostatic attraction causes the ions to bond together, forming a compound.

Compounds are defined as substances that consist of two or more different elements that are chemically bonded together. In the case of ionic bonds, the most common examples are salts, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), which is formed from sodium ions and chloride ions. When these ions combine, they create a stable compound with distinct properties that are different from the individual elements that make it up. This is a fundamental characteristic of ionic bonding, distinguishing it from other types of bonding, such as covalent bonding, which primarily results in the formation of molecules.