Metals can form two distinct types of bonds with very different chemical and physical properties. For instance, sodium can form metallic bonds with other sodium atoms and ionic bonds with nonmetals. Both of these form structures. bonds consist of an attraction between the metallic cations and delocalized electrons. The surrounded leads to strong bonds, ductility, and malleability. bonds consist of an electrostatic attraction between cations and anions. This leads to strong bonds that also in water.