Which among the following halogens combines readily with metals to form metal halides with highest ionic…

Which among the following halogens combines readily with metals to form metal halides with highest ionic character?
  1. Chlorine
  2. Bromine
  3. Iodine
  4. Fluorine

Solution

Ionic character of metal halides decreases in the order $\mathrm{MF}>\mathrm{MCl}>\mathrm{MBr}>\mathrm{MI}$, where, $\mathrm{M}$ is a monovalent metal. Smaller the size of anion, greater is the ionic character (Fajan's rule). Therefore, fluorine forms metal halides with highest ionic character.

Asked in: MHT CET 2023 (11 May Shift 1)

Practice more s Block Elements questions on Aicharya