Metal M forms a chloride with the formula MCl2. What type of bond is in MCl2. Write the formula of the compound when M combines with sulphur, oxygen and nitrogen.

 Question:

Metal M forms a chloride with the formula MCl₂. What type of bond is in MCl₂. Write the formula of the compound when M combines with sulphur, oxygen and nitrogen.

Solution:

Electrovalent bond. Formula of compound when M combines with:

1. Sulphur- MS

2. oxygen- MO

3. Nitrogen- M₃N₂

Explanation:

Since M is a metal, it will lose electrons and we know that the electronic configuration of chlorine (atomic number 17) is 2, 8, 7, which will accept 1 electron to complete its octet. Since, there is complete transfer of electrons from M to chlorine, it will be an electrovalent bond.

In MCl₂, valency of chlorine is 1 (from its electronic configuration 2, 8, 7) as it accepts 1 electron. So, valency of M must be 2 ( think of criss-cross method).

Now, valency of M is 2 .

1. Valency of sulphur is 2. So apply criss cross method

M   S

2      2

Both 2 will get cancelled and so the formula will be MS.

2. Valency of oxygen is 2. Apply criss cross method, and you will get the answer to be MO.

3. Valency of Nitrogen is 3 and of M is 2.

M     N

2       3

3 will go to M and 2 will go to N

So, the formula will be M₃N₂.