Li2O is an ionic compound because when the metal combines with nonmetal, it usually forms an ionic compound. Here, Li is a metal and O is a nonmetal. So when they combine, it forms an ionic compound.
Well, now you have got to know that Li2O is an ionic compound, but let me explain the in-depth reason why Li2O is an ionic compound.
Why is Li2O an ionic compound?
As mentioned above, you can simply remember that when the metal combines with nonmetal, the bond between them is an ionic bond.
Here in Li2O, the Li atom is a metal and the O atom is a nonmetal.
Hence the bond between them is an ionic bond.
How does the ionic bond form between Li and O?
In Li2O, there are two atoms;
Li and O.
About Lithium (Li):
Lithium atom have 3 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Lithium (Li) is 2, 1.
So the outermost orbit of a Lithium atom has 1 electron.
Now Lithium is a metal and the metals are highly electropositive (that means they have the tendency to lose electrons and become positive ions.)
Hence during the chemical reaction, the Lithium atom will lose 1 electron to form a stable octet.
About Oxygen (O):
Oxygen atom have 8 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Oxygen (O) is 2, 6.
So the outermost orbit of an Oxygen atom has 6 electrons.
Now Oxygen is a nonmetal and the nonmetals are highly electronegative (that means they have the tendency to gain electrons and become negative ions.)
Hence during the chemical reaction, the Oxygen atom will gain 2 electrons to form a stable octet.
What happens when Li and O combine?
When Li and O combine with each other, the electron transfer takes place from Lithium atom to Oxygen atom (i.e from Li to O).
In other words, each Lithium atom (Li) loses 1-1 electrons and the Oxygen atom (O) gains 2 electrons.
Due to this, Lithium becomes a positive ion (Li+) and Oxygen becomes a negative ion (O2-).
Now because of the positive charge of Lithium ion and negative charge of Oxygen ion, the electrostatic force of attraction is produced between them.
This electrostatic force between Lithium ion and Oxygen ion results in an ionic bond between them.
Hence, Li2O is an ionic compound.
I hope you have understood the reason why Li2O is an ionic compound.
Check out other compounds to see whether they are ionic or covalent;
Is CaBr2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is F2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is BaSO4 Ionic or Covalent?
Is OF2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is Cl2 Ionic or Covalent?
Jay is an educator and has helped more than 100,000 students in their studies by providing simple and easy explanations on different science-related topics. With a desire to make learning accessible for everyone, he founded Knords Learning, an online learning platform that provides students with easily understandable explanations.
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