What is a notable feature of ionic lattice structures regarding their melting and boiling points?

Ionic lattice structures are composed of positively and negatively charged ions arranged in a repeating three-dimensional pattern. This arrangement creates a strong electrostatic attraction between the oppositely charged ions, which is known as ionic bonding.

The notable feature of ionic compounds is that these strong attractions result in a high amount of energy being required to break the ionic bonds during melting or boiling. As a result, ionic compounds typically exhibit high melting and boiling points. The high energy requirement underscores the strength of the ionic bonds present in the lattice. In contrast, compounds with weaker intermolecular forces, such as covalent compounds or metals, usually possess lower melting and boiling points due to requiring less energy to separate their particles.

While it is true that the melting and boiling points can vary among different ionic compounds, the defining characteristic of ionic lattices is their generally high melting and boiling points, which is rooted in the nature of the ionic bonds present.