Question

The electronegativities of four atoms labeled as D, E, F and
G are as follows. D = 3.8, E = 3.3, F = 2.8 and G = 1.3. If the
atoms form the molecules DE, DG, EG and DF, the order of
arrangement of these molecules in the increasing order of
covalent bond character is
(a) DG < EG < DF < DE (b) DF < DG < DE < EG
(c) DG < DF < EG < DE (d) DE < EG < DG < DF

Answer 1

The increasing order of

covalent bond character among the given molecules is

(a) DG < EG < DF < DE

1. We have to calculate the electronegativity difference between the bonded atoms.

2. DE =3.8 - 3.3 = 0.5

DG = 3.8 - 1.3 = 2.5

EG = 3.3- 1.3 = 2.0

DF = 3.8 -2.8 = 1.0

3. Lower the electronegativity difference, higher is the covalent character of the bond.

4. Thus, from the given values we conclude that The increasing order of

covalent bond character among the given molecules is

DG < EG < DF < DE