Which statement is true regarding the chemical properties of ionic compounds?

Ionic compounds are characterized by their formation through the electrostatic attraction between positively and negatively charged ions. This interaction leads to the formation of a crystalline lattice structure, which is a defining feature of ionic compounds.

One of the most notable chemical properties of ionic compounds is that they typically exhibit high melting and boiling points. This is primarily due to the strong ionic bonds that hold the ions together in the lattice structure. To break these bonds and change the state of the compound from solid to liquid or gas requires a significant amount of energy. As a result, ionic compounds remain solid at room temperature and only melt at elevated temperatures, exhibiting those high melting and boiling points.

Understanding this property is essential as it differentiates ionic compounds from other types of compounds, such as molecular compounds, which tend to have lower melting and boiling points. In addition, ionic compounds can conduct electricity when dissolved in water or melted because the ions are free to move, whereas they do not do so in their solid state. Overall, the specific properties of ionic compounds are a key aspect of their behavior in various chemical and physical contexts.