In chemistry, which bond is characterized by the complete transfer of electrons?

The ionic bond is characterized by the complete transfer of electrons from one atom to another, resulting in the formation of charged ions. This type of bond typically occurs between a metal and a non-metal. In an ionic bond, the metal atom donates one or more of its electrons, becoming a positively charged ion (cation), while the non-metal atom accepts these electrons, becoming a negatively charged ion (anion). The electrostatic attraction between the positively and negatively charged ions creates a strong bond that is characteristic of ionic compounds.

In contrast, a covalent bond involves the sharing of electrons between atoms rather than their complete transfer. Hydrogen bonds are weaker interactions that occur between polar molecules, while metallic bonds involve the pooling of electrons among a lattice of metal ions, allowing for conductivity and malleability but do not involve the transfer of electrons in the same way as ionic bonds do.