Chapter 2, Problem 2D.4E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Out of the compounds ${\text{CaCl}}_2$, $\text{CsCl}$ and ${\text{CCl}}_{\text{4}}$ the compounds with primarily covalent bonds has to be chosen.

Concept Introduction:

In any polar covalent bond, the difference in electronegativities gives rise to partial positive and negative charges respectively on the cation and anions.

The covalent character is determined with respect to the relative extent of distortion of the anionic cloud of the anion. For instance, highly charged small alkali metal cation such as ${\text{Li}}^{+}$ is capable to cause polarization in large-sized halides such as iodide ion. Thus there is a considerable covalent character in $\text{LiI}$.

The covalent or ionic character of a polar covalent bond is determined on the basis of difference in electronegativities. If the difference exceeds 2, the compound is regarded as predominantly ionic. If it is much than 2 it is regarded as covalent in nature.