Question

Which of the following compounds is not likely to have ionic bonds LiF, NaCI, CH4, MgF2

Answer 1

`CH_4` is not likely to have ionic bonds

Step-by-step explanation:

Ionic bond is formed between a metal and a non metal.

`NaCl, LiF` and
`MgF_2` are examples in which we see metal bonded with a non-metal.

Na, Li, Mg are all metals and Cl, F are non metals.

`CH_4` contains only non metals. Covalent bond is the bond present among non metallic compounds.

We can identify a bond as an ionic bond or a covalent bond based on the electronegativity values of the atoms present in it.

For example
`H_2 S`

Hydrogen --> electronegativity value is 2.1

Sulfur --> electronegativity value is 2.5

∆E, the electronegativity difference is 2.5 - 2.1 = 0.4

So, It is a non polar covalent bond present in
`H_2 S`

Examples :

The electronegative values of H is 2.1

F is 4.0

O is 3.5

N is 3.0

∆E value of HF Hydrogen bond is

4.0 - 2.1 = 1.9

∆E value of H2O Hydrogen bond is

3.5 - 2.1 = 1.4

∆E value of NH3 Hydrogen bond is

3.0 - 2.1 = 0.9

∆E value between 0.5 to 1.7 is a polar covalent bond

∆E value btween 0 to 0.4 is a non polar covalent bond

∆E above 1.7 is an ionic bond

Answer 2

Methane CH
`_(4)` does not have ionic bonds. Because of the close value of electronegativity of the carbon and hydrogen atoms the electrons are shared forming covalent bonds.