Question

Which one is more ionic compound: $RbCl$ or $BrCl$
A.$RbCl$
B.$BrCl$
C.Both A and B
D.None of the above

Answer 1

Hint:To solve this question, you must recall ionic compounds. Those compounds in which the respective atoms have a high electronegativity difference between them are known as ionic compounds. The electronegativity of an atom increases as the negative charge per volume in its ionic form increases.

Complete step by step solution:
Ionic bonds are the chemical bonds formed as a result of the transfer of one or more electrons from one atom to the other. The electropositive atoms lose an electron and the electronegative atom accepts the electron forming a cation and anion respectively. The electrostatic attraction between the cation and the anion result in the formation of an ionic bond.
In the question, we are given $RbCl$ and $BrCl$.
Rubidium is a metal while both chlorine and bromine are non-metals. Rubidium metal on loss of one electron attains noble gas like configuration and chlorine and bromine can gain an electron each t=and achieve noble gas like configuration. Thus, in $RbCl$, rubidium forms a cation and chlorine forms an anion and an ionic bond is formed.
Whereas, in $BrCl$ , both bromine and chlorine are halogens and tend to gain electrons. So they share an electron and form a covalent bond.Thus, we can say that $RbCl$ is the more ionic compound.

Thus, the correct option is A.

Note:
The atoms that can lose or gain electrons easily so as to obtain noble gas configuration have a greater tendency to form an ionic bond. The atoms which cannot lose or gain the required number of electrons tend to share electrons and form a covalent bond.