The percent ionic character of the H–Cl bond is greater than that of the H–Br bond
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding
Problem
The percent ionic character of the H–Cl bond is greater than that of the H–Br bond. Which of the following best explains this difference?
(a) The H–Cl bond is longer than the H–Br bond, so the partial charges are farther apart, resulting in greater ionic character of H–Cl.
(b) Hydrogen is less electronegative when it is bonded to chlorine than when it is bonded to bromine, which makes the polarity of H–Cl higher.
(c) Chlorine is more electronegative than bromine, so the bonding electrons are drawn more strongly toward Cl, giving H–Cl a larger charge separation.
(d) Bromine converts more readily to a full Br− ion than chlorine does, so the H–Br bond retains less partial ionic character.