MCl₃; M₂(SO₄)₃. M in general forms Ionic bond. It can acquire a stable electronic configuration of neon (2, 8) by losing its three valence electrons to form M³⁺ cations. Compounds formed will conduct electricity in liquid / molten state but not in solid state in contrast to ‘M’
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The element M has the electronic configuration 2, 8, 3, indicating it is a metal with valency 3 (similar to aluminium). It combines with Cl⁻ to form MCl₃ and with SO₄²⁻ to form M₂(SO₄)₃. Since M loses electrons to nonmetals, the bond formed is ionic in nature. Ionic compounds consist of positive and negative ions held by strong electrostatic forces. These compounds conduct electricity only in molten or aqueous states, as free ions are available to carry electric current in those conditions.