Arrange the bonds in order of increasing ionic character in the molecules. LiF, K2O, N2, SO2 and ClF3 :
- N2 < SO2 < ClF3 < K2O < LiF
- ClF3 < N2 < SO2 < K2O < LiF
- LiF < K2O < ClF3 < SO2 < N2
- N2 < ClF3 < SO2 < K2O < LiF
Answer
(1) N2 < SO2 < ClF3 < K2O < LiF
Solution
Ionic character of a bond ∝ electronegativity difference (ΔEN) of the bonded atoms
N–N: ΔEN = 0 (pure covalent)
S–O: ΔEN ≈ 1.0 (polar covalent)
Cl–F: ΔEN ≈ 1.2 (F is the most electronegative element) ⇒ more polar than S–O
K–O: ΔEN ≈ 2.7 and Li–F: ΔEN ≈ 3.0 (metal–non-metal, ionic)
∴ N2 < SO2 < ClF3 < K2O < LiF
Answer: (1)