Question

Draw the structure for ${\mathrm{BeCl}}_2$ in

(a) Vapour form

(b) Solid state

Answer 1

Beryllium Chloride$\left({\mathrm{BeCl}}_2\right)$:

• ${\mathrm{BeCl}}_2$ is an electron deficient compound.
• In the vapor phase, it exists as a dimer. where it forms 2 coordinate bonds with the neighbouring ${\mathrm{BeCl}}_2$ molecule.
• In solid-state it combines with ${\mathrm{BeCl}}_2$ molecules to form a chain like structure and attains more stability.

Structure of ${\mathrm{BeCl}}_2$ in vapour phase:

Structure of ${\mathrm{BeCl}}_2$ in Solid-state: