Question

which statement best describes the formation of an ionic bond with a lithium ion?

Answer 1

Generally, Lithium, being a Group 1 metal on the periodic table, will look to lose its one valence (outer or bonding) electron to an electronegative element, which is looking to gain one of these electrons to form a full outer/valence shell of 8 electrons.

If we consider the case where one Li atom bonds ionically to one electronegative (Group 7 -> 7 valence electrons), the Li will lose an electron to become Li+, and the Group 7 element, for example Chlorine (Cl), will gain this electron to become Cl-. The two ions are now electrostatically attracted to one another to form an ionic bond with LiCl. This can also work in forming ionic bonds with multiple Li+ ions (eg: in Li2S).