Question

Which of the following metal halide is more covalent?

Options

• \[\ce{SnCl2}\]

• \[\ce{PbCl2}\]

• \[\ce{SbCl3}\]

• \[\ce{SbCl5}\]

Answer 1

\[\ce{SbCl5}\]

Explanation:

The metal halide \[\ce{SbCl5}\] is more covalent than the other alternatives. The rule of Fajan can be used to explain it. The polarising power of a cation is proportional to its charge. Antimony (Sb) is in the + 5 oxidation state in \[\ce{SbCl5}\]. It has the most polarising effect. As a result, they have a higher covalent nature.