Which of the following have a linear structure? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Apply Fajan's rules to determine ionic character. Ionic character is maximized when the cation is large and has a low charge, while covalent character is maximized when the cation is small and highly charged. Step 2: Comparing the cations (Li^+, Be^2+, Mg^2+, Rb^+): Rb^+ is a large, low-charged alkali metal cation, giving RbCl the greatest ionic character. Be^2+ is an exceptionally small, divalent alkaline earth metal cation, giving BeCl2 the highest polarizing power and least ionic character. Step 3: Thus, the compounds with greatest and least ionic character are RbCl and BeCl2 respectively, corresponding to option (b).