In an ionic compound A^+X^- the degree of covalent bonding is greatest when : — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: According to Fajan's rules, covalent character (or degree of covalent bonding) in an ionic compound is maximized by high polarization of the anion by the cation. Step 2: High polarization is favored when the cation (A^+) is small and has a high charge density, and when the anion (X^-) is large and highly polarizable. Step 3: Therefore, the covalent character is greatest when the cation A^+ is small and the anion X^- is large, matching option (b).