Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of ionic bonds?

Ionic bonds are primarily characterized by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another, typically between metals and nonmetals, which leads to the formation of charged ions. When these ions come together, they form a three-dimensional lattice structure, resulting in crystalline solids.

The assertion that ionic bonds result in the formation of molecules is not accurate, as ionic compounds do not form discrete molecules in the way covalent compounds do. Instead, they form a continuous array of ions held together by electrostatic forces. This is in contrast to covalent bonding, where atoms share electrons and form individual molecules, such as water or carbon dioxide.

Thus, while the other characteristics outlined—such as the formation between metals and nonmetals, the involvement of electron transfer, and the creation of crystalline structures—are definitive traits of ionic bonds, the idea of forming distinct molecules is inconsistent with the nature of ionic compounds.