Question

Which of the following is/are covalent binary compound(s)?

• A. $B{F}_3$
• B. $KBr$
• C. $Ca{I}_2$
• D. $Al{F}_3$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$B{F}_3$

A binary compound is a compound composed of only two elements i.e., a binary compound is made from exactly two different elements. There are two types of binary compounds.
1) Ionic binary compound: Binary compound which is formed by the combination of a metal atom and non metal atom is called ionic binary compound, e.g., KBr, NaCl, $Ca{I}_2$, $Al{F}_3$, $MgB{r}_2$.
2) Covalent binary compound: Binary compound which is formed by the combination of two non metal atoms is called binary covalent compound. In binary covalent compound sharing of electrons takes place, e.g., BF, $N_{2}O$, $P_2{O}_5$, $N_2{H}_4$, $C{H}_4$ and $H_{2}O$.
A) Binary compound formed by B and F is $B{F}_3$ in which both boron(B) and florine(F) are non metals, hence, it is covalent binary compound.
B) Binary compound formed by K and Br is KBr in which potassium(K) is metal and bromine(Br) is non metal. Hence, its is ionic binary compound.