MgF2 is an ionic compound because when the metal combines with nonmetal, it usually forms an ionic compound. Here, Mg is a metal and F is a nonmetal. So when they combine, it forms an ionic compound.
Well, now you have got to know that MgF2 is an ionic compound, but let me explain the in-depth reason why MgF2 is an ionic compound.
If you are a visual learner like me, then here is a short one minute video for you.
Why is MgF2 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 MgF2, the Mg atom is a metal and the F atom is a nonmetal.
Hence the bond between them is an ionic bond.
How does the ionic bond form between Mg and F?
In MgF2, there are two atoms;
Mg and F.
About Magnesium (Mg):
Magnesium atom have 12 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Magnesium (Mg) is 2, 8, 2.
So the outermost orbit of Magnesium atom has 2 electrons.
Now Magnesium 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 Magnesium atom will lose 2 electrons to form a stable octet.
About Fluorine (F):
Fluorine atom have 9 electrons.
The electrons arrangement in Fluorine (F) is 2, 7.
So the outermost orbit of Fluorine atom has 7 electrons.
Now Fluorine 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 Fluorine atom will gain 1 electron to form a stable octet.
What happens when Mg and F combine?
When Mg and F combine with each other, the electron transfer takes place from Magnesium atom to Fluorine atom (i.e from Mg to F).
In other words, the Magnesium atom (Mg) loses 2 electrons and the Fluorine atoms (F) gains 1-1 electrons.
Due to this, Magnesium becomes a positive ion (Mg2+) and Fluorine becomes a negative ion (F–).
Now because of the positive charge of Magnesium ion and negative charge of Fluorine ion, the electrostatic force of attraction is produced between them.
This electrostatic force between Magnesium ion and Fluorine ions results in an ionic bond between them.
Hence, MgF2 is an ionic compound.
I hope you have understood the reason why MgF2 is an ionic compound.
Check out other compounds to see whether they are ionic or covalent;
Is CBr4 Ionic or Covalent?
Is NF3 Ionic or Covalent?
Is NaNO3 Ionic or Covalent?
Is BaCl2 Ionic or Covalent?
Is HI 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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