MHT CET Chemistry Question (2026) — Solution

Step-by-step solution

According to Fajan's rules, the covalent character of a metal halide increases with an increase in the positive charge on the central metal cation. A higher charge on the cation results in greater polarizing power, which increases the covalent character of the bond. The oxidation states of the central metal cations in the given options are: SnCl _2: +2 PbCl _4: +4 SbCl _3: +3 PbCl _2: +2 Since Pb in PbCl _4 has the highest oxidation state of +4, the Pb ^ 4+ ion has the maximum polarizing power. Thus, PbCl _4 has the most covalent character. Answer: PbCl _4