Which of the bonds below would have the greatest polarity (i.e., highest percent ionic character)?
A)Si - P
B)Si - S
C)Si - Se
D)Si - Cl
E)Si - I

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The greater the electronegativity difference between the bonded atoms, the greater the percent ionic character. Among the given options, chlorine (Cl) has the highest electronegativity (3.16) which is greater than the electronegativities of sulfur (2.58), selenium (2.55), phosphorus (2.19), and iodine (2.66) but less than that of fluorine (3.98). Therefore, option D (SiF3Cl) has the highest polarity among the given options.

Which of the Bonds Below Would Have the Greatest Polarity