Question

What elements make up ionic compounds?

Answer 1

Typically the ions of metals, and non-metals.........

Explanation:

Metals are electron-rich species that tend to be reducing, and thus typically form `M^+`, `M^(2+)`, and `M^(3+)` ions:

`M rarr M^(+) + e^-`; `M rarr M^(2+) + 2e^-` etc.....

Non-metals species are typically found on the the righthand side of the Periodic Table as we face it; their (enhanced) nuclear charge tends to make them oxidizing:

`X_2 + 2e^(-) rarr 2X^(-)`

Given the appropriate stoichiometry, a redox process (i.e. electronic transfer) can result in salt formation:

`M+X_2 rarr M^(2+)X_2^(-)`