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Explain why Cl2 can form two different Na bonds

User CAmador
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Answer: There is a single covalent bond in a chlorine molecule.

Explanation: The chlorine molecule is represented as Cl−Cl, i.e. C

l2. Between the chlorine atoms, 2 electrons overlap to form a region of high electron density to which the positively charged chlorine nuclei are attracted, such that internuclear repulsion is negated and a net attractive force results. Because the bonding electrons are shared between the nuclei, we conceive that each atom has 8 valence electrons.

Of course, on reaction with sodium, the sodium reduces the chlorine molecule to give 2×Cl−. The resultant bond between Na+ and Cl−is ionic and a non-molecular substance results.

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User Nick Kohrn
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