Which of the following chloride would exhibit the least ionic character?

a

MgCl2

b

CaCl2

c

LiCl

d

AlCl3

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Explanation

Correct Option
d

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Discussions (9)

Som15432
1 year ago

The answer is D. AlCl3.
Here's how to determine the ionic character of a compound:
* Electronegativity Difference: The greater the difference in electronegativity between two atoms, the more ionic the bond between them. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons in a bond.
* Polarization: A smaller, highly charged cation (positive ion) can distort the electron cloud of a larger anion (negative ion). This is called polarization, and it increases covalent character (sharing of electrons) in the bond.
Analyzing the Options:
* MgCl2, CaCl2, LiCl: These compounds involve metals (Mg, Ca, Li) with relatively low electronegativities and chlorine (Cl) with a higher electronegativity. This results in a significant electronegativity difference and predominantly ionic bonds.
* AlCl3: Aluminum (Al) has a smaller size and a higher charge (+3) compared to the other metals. This makes Al³⁺ a highly polarizing cation. It can significantly distort the electron cloud of the chloride ion (Cl⁻), leading to a greater degree of covalent character in the Al-Cl bond.
In Summary:
AlCl3 exhibits the least ionic character due to the high polarizing power of the Al³⁺ cation, which leads to a greater degree of electron sharing (covalent character) in the bond.

Babliwa
2 years ago

Fajan rule which talks about the difference in electronegativity as it increases so the ionic character increases is the condition and AlCl3 will have the least ionic character, according to the question, but in another combination like this 👇👇👇

NaCl>mgCl>AlCl3 >CCl4
CCl4 will be the least.

sakura82
5 years ago

please explain why D is the correct answer

judsonandrey2012
10 years ago

Ya D is very correct

✅️

lexluthur01
12 years ago

Yep

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