Question

Select the correct order of polymerization tendency from the following :

• A. $Si-O>P-O>S-O>Cl-O$
• B. $P-O>S-O>Cl-O>Si-O$
• C. $Cl-O>S-O>P-O>Si-O$
• D. $Si-O<P-O<S-O<Cl-O$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$Si-O>P-O>S-O>Cl-O$

Th tendency to form pi bond increases in the order
$SiO<PO<SO<ClO$
Since the size of Cl tom is smaller compared to Si, P and S, in case of Cl, less internuclear distance results in more effective sideways overlapping.
With increase in the tendency to form the pi bond, the tendency for polymerization decreases.
Hence, the decreasing order for the tendency for polymerization is $SiO>PO>SO>ClO$.