Question

Which of the following compounds of elements in group IV is expected to be most ionic?

• A. $PbC{l}_2$
• B. $PbC{l}_4$
• C. $CC{l}_4$
• D. $SiC{l}_4$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$PbC{l}_2$

Most ionic character will be in $Pb{Cl}_2$.

This is because, here Pb is in +2 oxidation state, in all other option, the charge on non-metal is +4.

According to Fagan's rule, the greater the charge on cation, greater will be the covalent character in the bond.

Since $Pb{Cl}_2$ has low charge on cation, therefore it will have the most ionic character.

Hence, the correct option is A.