CHEMISTRY

JAMB 2002 - Question 44

Chemistry 2002 JAMB Past Questions - Question 44: Which of the following chlorides would exhibit the least ionic character?

Choose the correct answers from the options given.
Which of the following chlorides would exhibit the least ionic character?
A:
B:
C:
D:
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Correct Answer

D

Explanation

  The electronegativity generally decreases from top to bottom in a group and increases from left to right in a period on the periodic table.

Let's compare the electronegativity of the elements in each compound:

1. MgCl: Magnesium (Mg) is a metal, and chlorine (Cl) is a non-metal. The electronegativity difference is moderate.

2. CaCl2 Calcium (Ca) is a metal, and chlorine (Cl) is a non-metal. The electronegativity difference is moderate.

3. LiCl: Lithium (Li) is a metal, and chlorine (Cl) is a non-metal. The electronegativity difference is relatively small compared to the other compounds.

4. AlCl3: Aluminum (Al) is a metal, and chlorine (Cl) is a non-metal. The electronegativity difference is relatively large.

Based on electronegativity differences, LiCl would exhibit the least ionic character among the given options.