Question

Determine the bond type formed between Hg and F

Answer 1

Answer:

Multivalent Ionic

Explanation:

The type of bond formed between the atoms of two elements can easily be deduced from the magnitude of electronegativity difference between the two bonding atoms.

A summary of electronegativity differences and corresponding types of bonds are shown below as adapted from chemlibretexts, where Δχ is the difference in electronegativity ;

ionic if Δχ ≥ 2.0

polar if 2.0 > Δχ > 0.5

nonpolar if 0.5 > Δχ

To determine the type of bond between Hg and F. Hg has an electronegativity of 2 while F has an electronegativity of 4. the difference in electronegativity (Δχ) is 4 - 2 = 2

This corresponds to a multivalent ionic bond because mercurous ion is the  

Hg2^2+  ion and this leads to the formation of Hg2X2 (mercury I fluoride).