Question

Of the molecules AlCl₃​ and AlBr₃​ , which has bonds that are more polar? View Available Hint(s)

a. Since the electronegativity difference between the atoms is greater in AlCl₃​ , it has bonds that are more polar when compound to the other compound. b. Since the electronegativity difference between the atoms is greater in AlBr₃​ , it has bonds that are more polar when compound to the other compound. c. Since the electronegativity difference between the atoms is smaller in AlCl₃​ , it has bonds that are more polar when compound to the other compound. d. Since the electronegativity difference between the atoms is smaller in AlBr₃​ , it has bonds that are more polar when compound to the other compound.

Answer 1

AlCl₃ has more polar bonds due to the higher electronegativity difference with chlorine compared to AlBr₃.

The correct answer is option C.

The polarity of a bond is determined by the electronegativity difference between the atoms involved. Electronegativity is a measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons in a chemical bond. Generally, the greater the electronegativity difference, the more polar the bond.

In the case of AlCl₃ and AlBr₃, both compounds have aluminum (Al) as the central atom. Chlorine (Cl) and bromine (Br) are the halogen atoms bonded to aluminum. To assess the polarity, we compare the electronegativity values.

The electronegativity of chlorine is higher than that of bromine. Therefore, in AlCl₃, the electronegativity difference is greater, leading to more polar bonds compared to AlBr₃. Consequently, option (a) is the correct choice.

In summary, the bonds in AlCl₃ are more polar due to the higher electronegativity difference between aluminum and chlorine, as opposed to the bonds in AlBr₃.