Which of the following compounds of group 14 elements is expected to be the MOST ionic in character? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Ionic character is inversely proportional to polarizing power. Small cations with high charges (like $C^{4+}$) have high polarizing power, leading to covalent bonds. Down the group, cation size increases. Between $Pb^{2+}$ and $Pb^{4+}$, $Pb^{2+}$ has a lower charge and larger size, minimizing polarization and making $PbCl_2$ the most ionic.