What type of bond is formed between chlorine and element of atomic number 19, explain why this chloride is a high melting point solid?
1 Answer
Chlorine forms an ionic bond with Sodium Number 19
Explanation:
Chlorine has an electron negativity of about 3.0. Sodium has an electro negativity of 0.9. This results in most of the electron density in the bond being centered around the Chlorine, leaving Sodium with very little electron density. Chlorine is considered to have a -1 charge, and Sodium a + 1 charge.
The Chlorine -1 ion is surrounded in a crystal lattice by six positive sodium ions, of course the sodium ions are in return are surrounded by six chlorine atoms. The attractions of the multiple ions to each other creates a strong crystal lattice. This crystal lattice being very strong requires a high level of energy to break the bonds within the lattice. The high level of energy required to break the crystal lattice is reflected in a high melting point.
