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Ch.22 - The Main Group Elements
McMurry - Chemistry 8th Edition
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Capitolo 22, Problema 22.41a

Which compound in each of the following pairs is more covalent?
(a) PCl3 or AlF3

Guida verificata passo dopo passo
1
Identify the types of bonds present in each compound. PCl₃ and AlF₃ both have polar covalent bonds, but the degree of covalency can differ.
Consider the electronegativity difference between the atoms in each compound. A smaller difference in electronegativity generally indicates a more covalent character.
For PCl₃, compare the electronegativity of phosphorus (P) and chlorine (Cl).
For AlF₃, compare the electronegativity of aluminum (Al) and fluorine (F).
Determine which compound has a smaller electronegativity difference, indicating a more covalent character.

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Covalent Bonding

Covalent bonding occurs when two atoms share electrons to achieve a full outer shell, typically between nonmetals. The degree of covalency can vary based on the electronegativity of the atoms involved; the greater the difference in electronegativity, the more ionic the bond becomes. In this context, understanding how covalent bonds form helps in comparing the compounds.
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Electronegativity

Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract and hold onto electrons in a bond. Elements with similar electronegativities tend to form more covalent bonds, while a large difference indicates a more ionic character. By comparing the electronegativities of phosphorus, chlorine, aluminum, and fluorine, one can determine which compound is more covalent.
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Electronegativity Trends

Molecular Structure and Geometry

The molecular structure and geometry of a compound influence its bonding characteristics. For example, PCl3 has a trigonal pyramidal shape, while AlF3 has a more ionic lattice structure. Understanding these geometrical arrangements helps in predicting the nature of the bonds and the overall covalency of the compounds in question.
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Molecular Geometry with Three Electron Groups