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Chemistry Forums for Students => Undergraduate General Chemistry Forum => Topic started by: mike on September 10, 2006, 07:59:32 PM

Title: Which of these compounds has the least ionic character?
Post by: mike on September 10, 2006, 07:59:32 PM

I would like to know what people think the answer to this question is and why:

Which one of the following compounds has the least ionic character?
 
a. Bismuth sulfide
b. Bismuth iodide
c. Bismuth fluoride
d. Bismuth bromide

Now I know the rules say not to post questions without having attempted the answer yourself. I do have an answer for this question which I will post, however I did want to hear some other peoples opinions before mine.

Also I have posted the question here as I thought it may be useful for chemistry students to read peoples answers and thoughts.

Let me know what you think :)

Title: Re: Which of these compounds has the least ionic character?
Post by: Yggdrasil on September 10, 2006, 10:01:26 PM

Probably the quickest answer is just to look up the electronegativities and choose the compound with the smallest difference in electronegativities (bismuth sulfide).  A more comprehensive answer would probably require using a quantum chemistry program to simulate the charge and electron distribution of the compound and choosing the one with the most equal electron distribution between the bismuth and anion.

Title: Re: Which of these compounds has the least ionic character?
Post by: Albert on September 11, 2006, 05:44:48 AM

I agree with Yggdrasil: I would look at the electronegativity and answer bismuth sulphide.