Question

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Using bonding principles, describe why AlCl3 forms an ionic bond

Answer 1

Simple

Look at Electronic configuration of Al

• [Ne]3s²3p¹

It has valency as 3

So it can make 3 bonds

• Chlorine has well known valency 1

So

Aluminium does bonding with 3 chlorine atoms

There is another reason

That's electronegativity

• Chlorine is most electronegative element
• Aluminium has low electronegativity

As difference in electronegativity is higher they forms ionic bond

Answer 2

if you look at AIF3 and AICI3, the F ion is smaller than a CI ion. that’s why AICI3 will make a covalent bond while AIF3 will make a ionic bond. explanation: AICI3 doesn’t have a complete transfer of electrons between the metal and the non-metal.