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Ionic Association

Ionic Association

The ionic association is the association of oppositely charged ions in an electrolyte solution to form ion pairs. Bjerrum defined ion pairs as two oppositely charged ions whose electrostatic attraction exceeds the thermal energy of the system, typically expressed as 2kT. Electrostatic attraction depends on ionic charge, separation distance, and the dielectric constant of the medium. Thermal energy, represented by kT, reflects the tendency of ions to move independently due to molecular motion.

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular Forces

Atoms and molecules interact through bonds (or forces): intramolecular and intermolecular. The forces are electrostatic as they arise from interactions (attractive or repulsive) between charged species (permanent, partial, or temporary charges) and exist with varying strengths between ions, polar, nonpolar, and neutral molecules. The different types of intermolecular forces are ion–dipole, dipole–dipole, hydrogen bonds, and dispersion; among these, dipole–dipole, hydrogen...

Intermolecular Forces

Intermolecular Forces

Aqueous Solutions and Heats of Hydration

Aqueous Solutions and Heats of Hydration

Water and other polar molecules are attracted to ions. The electrostatic attraction between an ion and a molecule with a dipole is called an ion-dipole attraction. These attractions play an important role in the dissolution of ionic compounds in water.
When ionic compounds dissolve in water, the ions in the solid separate and disperse uniformly throughout the solution because water molecules surround and solvate the ions, reducing the strong electrostatic forces between them. This process...

Ionic Bonds

Ionic Bonds

Overview
When atoms gain or lose electrons to achieve a more stable electron configuration they form ions. Ionic bonds are electrostatic attractions between ions with opposite charges. Ionic compounds are rigid and brittle when solid and may dissociate into their constituent ions in water. Covalent compounds, by contrast, remain intact unless a chemical reaction breaks them.
Opposing Charges Hold Ions Together in Ionic Compounds
Ionic bonds are reversible electrostatic interactions between ions...

Ionic Bonds

Ionic Bonds

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Mar 19, 2026

From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding

From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding

Published on: March 24, 2018

Ionic liquids: the chemistry beyond the ion pair.

Jairton Dupont¹

¹Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Philosophical Transactions. Series A, Mathematical, Physical, and Engineering Sciences

|March 18, 2026

Summary

Ionic liquids (ILs) enable the design of adaptable supramolecular structures using various bonding interactions. These versatile materials exhibit predictable functions across different phases and applications beyond their ionic nature.

Keywords:

cooperatively hydrogen bonds ionic liquids molten salts supramolecular

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Last Updated: Mar 19, 2026

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Published on: November 27, 2015

Area of Science:

Soft Materials Science
Supramolecular Chemistry
Materials Chemistry

Background:

Ionic liquids (ILs) are tunable solvents with unique properties.
Their cations and anions interact through non-covalent forces, influencing structure and function.
Planar, rigid cations in ILs promote ordered supramolecular assembly.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the supramolecular chemistry of ILs over the past 30 years.
To highlight the role of ILs in designing functional soft materials.
To explore the adaptability and versatility of IL-based supramolecular structures.

Main Methods:

Literature review of ILs and their supramolecular behavior.
Analysis of interactions including hydrogen bonds and van der Waals forces.
Examination of structural organization in various phases and solutions.

Main Results:

ILs form well-defined supramolecular structures via ion pairing and cooperative HBs.
These structures are adaptable, allowing incorporation of diverse guest species.
IL properties and applications extend beyond fundamental ionic interactions.

Conclusions:

ILs provide a versatile platform for supramolecular engineering.
Their adaptable structures enable the creation of advanced soft materials.
The chemistry of ILs offers broad potential for future material design.