Chemistry · Chemical Bonding

The correct answer is KCl because it forms the most ionic bond among the options provided. Potassium (K) is larger and has a lower charge density than sodium (Na), making it easier to lose its valence electron and form a K⁺ cation. According to Fajan's rules, larger cations with a lower charge density form more ionic bonds, which is why KCl is more ionic than NaCl.

NaCl is ionic, but sodium's smaller size compared to potassium leads to a slightly higher charge density, resulting in less ionic character compared to KCl.

MgCl₂ has a +2 charge on magnesium, which increases the covalent character of the bond due to polarization effects.

AlCl₃ is more covalent due to aluminum's +3 charge, which causes significant polarization of the chloride ions. The ability of AlCl₃ to form a dimer also supports its covalent nature.

Sodium chloride (NaCl) is a classic example of an ionic compound. Sodium (Na) loses one electron to form a Na⁺ cation, and chlorine (Cl) gains an electron to form a Cl^- anion, resulting in a strong ionic bond. However, NaCl is less ionic than KCl because sodium is smaller and has a slightly higher charge density than potassium.

Magnesium chloride (MgCl₂) involves magnesium (Mg) losing two electrons to form a Mg²⁺ cation. The +2 charge on magnesium increases the covalent character of the bond compared to compounds with +1 cations like KCl and NaCl.

Potassium chloride (KCl) is highly ionic. Potassium (K) loses one electron to form a K⁺ cation, and chlorine (Cl) gains an electron to form a Cl^- anion. Due to the larger size of potassium compared to sodium, KCl has a lower charge density, leading to a more pronounced ionic character as per Fajan's rule.

Aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) is less ionic and more covalent in nature. Aluminum (Al) forms a +3 charge, which polarizes the chloride ions, increasing the covalent character. Additionally, AlCl₃ can form a dimer (Al₂Cl₆), further indicating its covalent nature.