Question

$SnC{l}_4$ is liquid while $SnC{l}_2$ is solid. Explain.

Answer 1

1.According to Fajan's rule, cation should have large size compared to anion to form strong ionic compound.

2.Cation in $SnC{l}_2$ is $S{n}^{+2}$ and in $SnC{l}_4$ cation is $S{n}^{+4}$. The size of $S{n}^{+2}$ is larger than $S{n}^{+4}$so, $SnC{l}_2$ forms an ionic bond.

3.In $SnC{l}_2$, there exists strong electrostatic forces due to which it exist as solid and in $SnC{l}_4$ there exists weak attractive forces due to which it exist as liquid.

Hence, $SnC{l}_4$is liquid while $SnC{l}_2$ is solid.