Based on electronegativity differences, between which two elements will a bond result in a highly unequal sharing of electrons?
A. Aluminum and chlorine
B. Lead and sulfur
C. Nitrogen and oxygen
D. Chlorine and lithium

Respuesta :

The type of bond that will result in unequal sharing of electrons will be C. Nitrogen and Oxygen.

Answer: The correct answer is Option D.

Explanation: Unequal sharing of electrons between the elements means that the bond is polar. This is very well studied with the help of electronegativity difference.

More the electronegative difference, more polar will be the bond and more will be unequal sharing of electrons and vice-versa.

Electronegativity values of the given elements:

1. Aluminium and Chlorine

Electronegativity of Aluminium = 1.61

Electronegativity of  Chlorine = 3.16

Electronegative difference of Aluminium and chlorine = (3.16 - 1.61) = 1.55

2. Lead and sulfur

Electronegativity of Lead = 2.33

Electronegativity of  Sulfur = 2.58

Electronegative difference of Lead and sulfur = (2.58 - 2.33) = 0.25

3. Nitrogen and oxygen

Electronegativity of Nitrogen = 3.04

Electronegativity of  Oxygen = 3.44

Electronegative difference of Nitrogen and oxygen = (3.44 - 3.04) = 0.4

4. Lithium and Chlorine

Electronegativity of Lithium = 0.98

Electronegativity of  Chlorine = 3.16

Electronegative difference of Lithium and chlorine = (3.16 - 0.98) = 2.18

As, the electronegativity difference of lithium and chlorine is the highest, so there will be the highest unequal sharing of electrons. This is an ionic compound.

Hence, the correct answer is option 4.