Question:medium

Which of the following metal halides have more covalent character?

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Apply Fajans rules: a smaller, more highly charged cation polarises the anion more.
Updated On: Oct 1, 2026
  • \(\text{SnCl}_2\)
  • \(\text{PbCl}_4\)
  • \(\text{SbCl}_3\)
  • \(\text{PbCl}_2\)
Show Solution

The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Rule of oxidation state:
For the same metal, the higher oxidation state gives the more covalent halide. Lead appears as $\text{Pb}^{2+}$ and $\text{Pb}^{4+}$.

Step 2: Compare:
$\text{PbCl}_4$ is the +4 chloride of lead, so it is more covalent than $\text{PbCl}_2$ (D).
The cations in $\text{SnCl}_2$ (A) and $\text{SbCl}_3$ (C) carry a lower charge (+2 and +3) than +4, so their polarising power is lower than that of $\text{Pb}^{4+}$.

Final Answer:
The most covalent halide is $\text{PbCl}_4$, option (B). \[ \boxed{\text{PbCl}_4} \]
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