Question

Which of the following compounds would be expected to have the greatest lattice binding energy?

• A. $LiN{O}_3$
• B. $LiF$
• C. $KI$
• D. $N{H}_{4}Br$
• E. $CsN{O}_3$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

$LiF$

$LiF$ is an ionic compound. The cation here is $L{i}^{+}$ and the anion here is $F^{-}$.

$L{i}^{+}$ is a very small cation and $F^{-}$ is also a very small anion. Hence the binding between these small ions is extremely strong. Since, both the ions are small, they bind really well. Thus, $LiF$ has the greatest lattice binding energy.

In all the other compounds listed above, either the cation or the anion is smaller than the other and hence the binding is not great.

Hence, option $B$ is the correct answer.