Ionic bonds can sometimes be drawn to show the unequal distribution of electrons. In the case of NaI, you could draw [Na+][I-], but usually you will just see [Na-I]. To give you a comparison, covalent bonds are drawn like [O-O] since there is equal sharing of electrons. [O+][O-] does not exist. An compound is usually understood to be ionic based on the atoms present, not a specific way of drawing the bond. Solution Ionic bonds can sometimes be drawn to show the unequal distribution of electrons. In the case of NaI, you could draw [Na+][I-], but usually you will just see [Na-I]. To give you a comparison, covalent bonds are drawn like [O-O] since there is equal sharing of electrons. [O+][O-] does not exist. An compound is usually understood to be ionic based on the atoms present, not a specific way of drawing the bond..