Question

Let's say you calculate the electronegativity difference between N and Cl, based on where that value falls on the Bonding Spectrum Scale, how could you predict whether the bond would be ionic, polar covalent, or non-polar covalent?

Answer 1

Probably non-polar covalent, even though `N` and `Cl` are unlikely to bond together...

Explanation:

The electronegativity difference `(DeltaEN)` conditions are:

`(DeltaEN)>2`: Ionic

`0.5<(DeltaEN)<2`: Polar covalent

`0<(DeltaEN)<0.5`: Non-polar covalent

Nitrogen has an electronegativity of `3.04`, while chlorine has an electronegativity of `3.16`.

`:.DeltaEN=3.16-3.04=0.12`

So, this bond will be non-polar covalent.

Source:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electronegativity