Question

Which of the following substances has least ionic character?

• A. $FeC{l}_2$
• B. $ZnC{l}_2$
• C. $HgC{l}_2$
• D. $MgC{l}_2$

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

More the polarising power of cation, more will be the covalent character or less ionic character. $Z{n}^{2+}$ and $H{g}^{2+}$ have pseudo noble gas configuration $(n-1)d^{10}$, thus they have stronger polarising power than $F{e}^{2+}$. However, $Z{n}^{2+}$ is more polarising because of smaller size as compared to $H{g}^{2+}$. Hence, $ZnC{l}_2$ is most covalent or least ionic compound among the given compounds.