Chemistry - CHEMICAL BONDING Question with Solution | TestHub
A metal, forms chlorides in its and oxidation states. Which of the following statements about these chlorides is correct?
Options:
Answer:
Solution:
A. VOLATILITY: More covalent compounds tend to be more volatile due to weaker intermolecular forces. Since MCl₄ is more covalent, it would be more volatile than MCl₂. Thus, option A is incorrect.
B. SOLUBILITY IN ANHYDROUS ETHANOL: Covalent compounds are generally more soluble in organic solvents like anhydrous ethanol. Since MCl₄ is more covalent, it would be more soluble in anhydrous ethanol than MCl₂. Thus, option B is incorrect.
C. IONIC CHARACTER: As explained by Fajan's rules, MCl₂ (with M²⁺) is more ionic than MCl₄ (with M⁴⁺) because the lower charge on M²⁺ results in less polarizing power. Thus, option C is correct.
D. HYDROLYSIS: Compounds with higher covalent character and smaller, highly charged cations are more prone to hydrolysis because the cation can more effectively attract the lone pairs of electrons from water molecules. Since MCl₄ is more covalent and has a higher charge on M, it would be more easily hydrolyzed than MCl₂. Thus, option D is incorrect.