The bonds in Na–I, Al–I

CHEMISTRY · Subjective · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding

Problem

The bonds in Na–I, Al–I, and H–I have the following measured dipole moments: μNa–I=3.6 D\mu_{\text{Na–I}} = 3.6\,\text{D}, μAl–I=2.7 D\mu_{\text{Al–I}} = 2.7\,\text{D}, and μH–I=0.4 D\mu_{\text{H–I}} = 0.4\,\text{D}. Their bond lengths are all approximately 240 pm240\,\text{pm}. Rank these three bonds in order of increasing percent ionic character and briefly justify the ordering, considering both electronegativity differences and the given dipole moments.

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