Using periodic trends,place the following bonds in order of decreasing ionic character.
Sb-Cl P-Cl As-Cl
A)Sb-Cl As-Cl P-Cl
B)As-Cl Sb-Cl P-Cl
C)Sb-Cl P-Cl As-Cl
D)P-Cl As-Cl Sb-Cl
E)P-Cl Sb-Cl As-Cl

Question

Using periodic trends,place the following bonds in order of decreasing ionic character.
Sb-Cl P-Cl As-Cl
A)Sb-Cl > As-Cl > P-Cl
B)As-Cl > Sb-Cl > P-Cl
C)Sb-Cl > P-Cl > As-Cl
D)P-Cl > As-Cl > Sb-Cl
E)P-Cl > Sb-Cl > As-Cl

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Ionic character increases with the difference in electronegativity between the bonded atoms. Chlorine is common in all bonds, so we compare Sb, As, and P. Electronegativity decreases down a group, so Sb (lowest electronegativity) forms the most ionic bond with Cl, followed by As, then P.

Using Periodic Trends,place the Following Bonds in Order of Decreasing