Illustrated Glossary of Organic Chemistry

Anion-cation interaction (anion-cation attraction; cation-anion interaction; ionic bond): A noncovalent (van der Waals) attractive force caused by electrostatic (opposite charge) attraction between an anion and a cation. Also called by the less precise name 'ionic force'.

Anion-cation interaction (ionic bond) between a sodium cation (Na⁺) and a chloride anion Cl^-).