JEE MainChemistryChemical Bonding and Molecular Structure
Consider the following statements regarding the physical properties of various halides: A. SnCl ₄ is a volatile liquid while SnCl ₂ is a solid because Sn ⁴⁺ has higher polarizing power than Sn ²⁺ . B. CuCl has a lower melting point than NaCl because the pseudo-noble gas configuration of Cu ⁺ results in higher polarization of Cl ⁻ . C. CaF ₂ is more covalent than CaI ₂ because F ⁻ is smaller and highly electronegative
Options
- AA, B and D only
- BA, B, C and D
- CA and D only
- DB and D only
Correct answer
A. A, B and D only
Step-by-step solution
According to Fajan's rules, covalent character in ionic compounds depends on the polarizing power of the cation and the polarizability of the anion. Increased covalent character generally leads to lower melting points, higher volatility, and lower solubility in polar solvents like water. Statement A: True. Sn ⁴⁺ has a higher charge and smaller size than Sn ²⁺ , giving it greater polarizing power. This makes SnCl ₄ more covalent, resulting in it being a volatile liquid, whereas SnCl ₂ is an ionic solid. Statement B: