Question

Among the following compounds, which one shows the maximum covalent character:

• A. MgCl2
• B. FeCl2
• C. SnCl2
• D. AlCl3

Answer 1

Answer:

D. AlCl3

• According to Fajans' rules, covalent character increases with:

  • Smaller and highly charged cation

  • Larger anion Among the given compounds:

  • FeCl₂-Fe²⁺ is relatively large

  • SnCl₂ -Sn²⁺is larger than Fe²⁺

  • AlCl₃-Al ³⁺is small and highly charged (high polarizing power)

  • MgCl_2-Mg2+also relatively small, but less charge than Al³⁺