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Question

Trihalides are less covalent than pentahalides. Justify


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Solution

Fajan's Rule

  • The covalent character depends on the polarization.
  • "More the polarization, the larger the covalent character of the bond.”

In the case of halides, trihalides are less covalent than pentahalides because:

Trihalides

  • Trihalides (MX3)and Pentahalides (MX5)are formed when group 15elements are reacted with a halogen atom.
  • All the Group 15elements form trihalides.
  • Because of the +3oxidation state, the central atom polarizes the halogen atom to a lesser extent in trihalides than in pentahalides.
  • More the polarization, the larger the covalent character of the bond.
  • So Trihalides are less covalent.

Pentahalides

  • All the Group 15elements form pentahalides. Except for Nitrogen.
  • Nitrogen does not form pentahalides because it does not have a vacant d-orbital in its outermost shell.
  • Because of the +5oxidation state, the central atom polarizes the halogen atom to a greater extent in trihalides than in pentahalides.
  • More the polarization, the larger the covalent character of the bond.
  • So Pentahalides are more covalent.

As a result of the greater polarization of the bond in the pentahalide state as compared to the trihalide state, thus, trihalides are less covalent than pentahalides.


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