Question

Why does sulfur dichloride have a lower melting point than sodium chloride?

A) It has stronger ionic bonds.
B) It forms a covalent compound.
C) It has a smaller atomic size.
D) It is not affected by temperature changes.

Answer 1

Covalent compounds, like sulfur dichloride (SCl2), have lower melting points than ionic compounds, such as sodium chloride (NaCl), due to differences in their bonding types.

Step-by-step explanation:

Covalent compounds have lower melting and boiling points than ionic compounds due to the differences in their bonding types. Sodium chloride (NaCl) is an ionic compound, whereas sulfur dichloride (SCl2) is a covalent compound. Ionic compounds, like NaCl, have strong ion-ion bonding, resulting in higher melting points. On the other hand, covalent compounds, like SCl2, have weaker intermolecular forces, leading to lower melting points.