Question

Among the following hydrides, ionic hydride is ________.

• A. $Mg{H}_2$
• B. $Si{H}_4$
• C. $B{H}_3$
• D. $P{H}_3$

Answer 1

The correct option is A

$Mg{H}_2$

Explanation for Correct option- A)$Mg{H}_2$

Magnesium hydride is an example of ionic hydride as it is formed when H reacts with a highly electropositive element Magnesium(Mg) and the electronegativity difference is large which forms $M{g}^{+2}\&H^{-}$ions by the transfer of electrons from Mg to H.

Explanation for Incorrect options:

B)$Si{H}_4$- it is a covalent hydride as they are formed by sharing of electrons between Si and H

C)$B{H}_3$-it is a covalent hydride as they are formed by sharing of electrons between B and H

D) $P{H}_3$-it is a covalent hydride as they are formed by sharing of electrons between P and H

Hence, A) is the correct option- $Mg{H}_2$ is an ionic hydride.