Which of the following pairs of elements is most likely to form an ionic compound? a. nitrogen and sulfurb. sodium and aluminumc. magnesium and fluorined. oxygen and chlorine

Option c, Mg and F

Explanation:

Let's think this question.

a. Nitrogen and Sulfur. They make a covalent bond to form N2S3. They are both non metallic.

b. Na and Al, it is impossible for two metals to make a ionic compound

d. O and Cl also are joined by covalent bond to form Cl2O3. They are both non metallic.

C is the best choice. A non metallic and a metallic element usually makes a ionic compound. It can be assured by the EN (Pauling Rule). We should substract EN (data in periodic table)

ΔΕΝ = EN F - EN Mg

ΔΕΝ = 4 - 1.2 = 2.8

This is absolutely a ionic compound

If ΔΕΝ > 1.7, it is a ionic bond

If 0.4 < ΔΕΝ > 1.7 it is a polar covalent bond

If ΔΕΝ < 0.4 it is a non polar covalent bond

answer: option (b) is the correct answer.

explanation:

a covalent bond is formed by sharing of electrons. whereas polarity arises due to difference in electronegativity of two atoms.

therefore, more is the electronegativity of an atom which combines with the titanium, more readily it will induce a partial positive and negative charge.

thus, out of the given options fluorine is most electronegative and has an incomplete octet. therefore, it will readily combine with titanium to share the electrons and complete its octet.