Moderate

Which molecule is least ionic?

Correct answer: C. HCl

  • A. NaCl
  • B. HF
  • C. HCl
  • D. CsF

Explanation

Among the molecules NaCl, HF, HCl, and CsF, hcl is the least ionic. Ionic character in a molecule is determined by the electronegativity difference between the atoms involved. The larger the electronegativity difference, the more ionic the bond.In HCl, the electronegativity difference between hydrogen (H) and chlorine (Cl) is relatively small. Chlorine is more electronegative than hydrogen, but the difference is not as significant as in the other compounds listed.In contrast, NaCl, HF, and CsF have larger electronegativity differences, making their bonds more ionic. Sodium (Na) and cesium (Cs) are highly electropositive, and they form ionic compounds with chlorine (Cl) and fluorine (F), which are highly electronegative elements.So, HCl is the least ionic among the given molecules.

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