Ionic compounds are characterized by the presence of ionic bonds, which form through the transfer of electrons between a metal and a non-metal. In this bonding, the metal (cation) loses electrons, becoming positively charged, while the non-metal (anion) gains electrons, becoming negatively charged. The resulting oppositely charged ions attract each other, forming a strong electrostatic force that holds the ions together in a crystalline lattice structure. Ionic compounds typically have high melting and boiling points, are solid at room temperature, and conduct electricity when molten or dissolved due to the mobility of ions. They exhibit brittle behavior and are often soluble in water.