The Ionic Bond between Li and Br: Understanding Electronegativity Differences

  • Thread starter Edin_Dzeko
  • Start date
  • Tags
    Ionic
In summary, the conversation is discussing electronegativity values for Li and Br, with Li having a value of 1.0 and Br having a value of 2.8. The difference between these values is 1.8. However, since we round the values, the difference is actually 2.0. This difference falls into the ionic range, as it is above 2.0. The conversation also notes that the bond between Li and Br is ionic because it is between a metal and non-metal. The conversation then questions why AlCl3 is considered covalent if it also involves a metal and non-metal bond.
  • #1
Edin_Dzeko
204
0
Li (Electronegativity) = 1.0
Br (Electronegativity) = 2.8

2.8 - 1.0 - 1.8

Ionic = 2.0+
Polar = .4 - 2.0+
Non polar covalent = 0 - 0.4

1.8 doesn't it fall into the polar range? I got that wrong on a h.w. question
 
Physics news on Phys.org
  • #2
We round the electronegativity of lithium to 1.0, and bromide to 3.0, so the difference is actually 2.0.

It is also ionic because it is a bond between a metal and non-metal.
 
  • #3
student54321 said:
We round the electronegativity of lithium to 1.0, and bromide to 3.0, so the difference is actually 2.0.

This is way too handwavy for my liking. Selectively rounding you can prove anything, including 0=1.

It is also ionic because it is a bond between a metal and non-metal.

So why is AlCl3 covalent?
 

FAQ: The Ionic Bond between Li and Br: Understanding Electronegativity Differences

1. What is an ionic bond?

An ionic bond is a type of chemical bond between two atoms where one atom transfers electrons to another atom, resulting in a positively charged ion and a negatively charged ion. These oppositely charged ions are then attracted to each other, creating a strong bond.

2. How is the ionic bond between Li and Br formed?

In the case of Li and Br, lithium (Li) has a low electronegativity value, meaning it has a strong tendency to lose electrons, while bromine (Br) has a high electronegativity value, meaning it has a strong tendency to gain electrons. When these two atoms come together, lithium loses an electron to bromine, forming a positively charged Li+ ion and a negatively charged Br- ion. The resulting attraction between these ions creates the ionic bond.

3. What is electronegativity and how does it affect the ionic bond between Li and Br?

Electronegativity is the measure of an atom's ability to attract electrons towards itself in a chemical bond. In the case of Li and Br, the difference in electronegativity between the two elements (0.8 for Li and 2.8 for Br) is what causes the transfer of electrons and the formation of the ionic bond. The larger the difference in electronegativity, the stronger the ionic bond will be.

4. How does the ionic bond between Li and Br differ from a covalent bond?

Unlike an ionic bond, a covalent bond is formed when two atoms share electrons. In a covalent bond, the electrons are not transferred from one atom to another, but rather they are shared between the atoms. In the case of Li and Br, the large difference in electronegativity results in a complete transfer of electrons, making it an ionic bond.

5. What are some properties of the compound formed by the ionic bond between Li and Br?

The compound formed by the ionic bond between Li and Br is lithium bromide (LiBr), which is a white crystalline solid at room temperature. It has a high melting and boiling point due to the strong ionic bonds between Li+ and Br- ions. It is also a highly soluble compound in water, as the polar water molecules are attracted to the charged ions in LiBr and can easily surround and dissolve them.

Similar threads

Equal electronegativities and covalent bond formation
Replies
4
Views
3K
Electronegativity / predicting structure / ranking order
Replies
3
Views
4K
Effects of electronegativity on the bonding on an ionic compound? AgBr
Replies
1
Views
2K
Non polar molecule with polar bonds?
Replies
34
Views
3K
Ionic vs. Covalent Bonds: Understanding Electronegativity Differences
Replies
2
Views
3K
How Do Electronegativity Differences Influence Bond Type?
Replies
2
Views
11K
Difference between co-ordinate covalent bonds and ionic bonds?
Replies
6
Views
2K
Why does NH3 turn into NH4+? Also question about bond EN.
Replies
7
Views
4K
High School Students: Chemistry, Ionic/Covalent Bonds, Urea & Hydroxyurea
Replies
3
Views
2K
Why Do Single and Triple Bonds Between Carbon and Nitrogen Vary in Strength?
Replies
1
Views
2K

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top