Chemistry Chemical Bonding UHS 2022
PMDC Verified Question 39 of 102
Among LiCl, \( \text{BeCl}_2 \), NaCl and CsCl compounds with the greatest and the least ionic character respectively are:
A
LiCl and CsCl
B
NaCl and LiCl
C
CsCl and NaCl
D
CsCl and \( \text{BeCl}_2 \)
Tap any option to test your recall and reveal the step-by-step Propolis autopsy.

Propolis Cognitive Error Autopsy

Official Correct Choice:
Option D: CsCl and \( \text{BeCl}_2 \)
Concept:

Ionic character depends on the electronegativity difference. The metal with the lowest ionization energy (most electropositive) forms the most ionic bond, while the one with the highest IE forms the least ionic (most covalent) bond.

Formula:

$$ \text{Ionic Character} \propto \Delta\text{EN} $$

Solution:

  • Cesium (Cs) is at the bottom left of the periodic table. It is the most electropositive element, creating a massive electronegativity difference with Chlorine. CsCl has the greatest ionic character.


  • Beryllium (Be) is at the top of Group 2. It has a very small size and high ionization energy, making it relatively electronegative for a metal. This gives \( \text{BeCl}_2 \) significant covalent character (least ionic).


Why other options are incorrect:

  • Option A, Option B, Option C: These options fail to pair the absolute extremes of electropositivity present in the list (Cs as highest, Be as lowest).

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