[periodictable1]

I tried to do a problem the other day that said something like this:

Which of the following substances sublimates at standard atmospheric pressure?

It turned out the correct answer was I₂

So my question is this: is there any way to tell whether a substance will sublimate or not at a given pressure without experimental data or a phase diagram? If there is no definite way, are there any characteristics of elements or molecules that make it more likely to sublimate at standard atmospheric pressure?

(Like how an element to the right of an element usually has a higher electronegativity than the original element.)

[opti384]

is there any way to tell whether a substance will sublimate or not at a given pressure without experimental data or a phase diagram?

I'm afraid not.

are there any characteristics of elements or molecules that make it more likely to sublimate at standard atmospheric pressure?

It doesn't work like the electronegativity in the periodic table. However, "all solids which possess an appreciable vapor pressure at a certain temperature usually can sublime in air" (Wikipedia). Also, carbon dioxide is a well known compound that sublimes. It's partly because of its molecular crystal structure.