Does a greater difference in EN correlate to a stronger bond

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Deanna Necula 3B
Posts: 62
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 3:00 am

Does a greater difference in EN correlate to a stronger bond

Postby Deanna Necula 3B » Wed Oct 14, 2015 9:59 pm

If there is a greater difference in electronegativities between atoms present in an ionic bond, is that bond considered "stronger"? Does the same concept apply to covalent bonds?

Lydiaelson1C
Posts: 15
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 3:00 am

Re: Does a greater difference in EN correlate to a stronger

Postby Lydiaelson1C » Wed Oct 14, 2015 10:12 pm

Generally, yes. A bigger difference in electronegativity indicates that the bond is more ionic. Since ionic bonds are known to have strong bonding characteristics, it makes sense that the more ionic a bond is, the stronger the bond.

Cameron Hankins 3J
Posts: 21
Joined: Fri Sep 25, 2015 3:00 am

Re: Does a greater difference in EN correlate to a stronger

Postby Cameron Hankins 3J » Fri Oct 16, 2015 10:15 am

Yes, this also applies to covalent bonding as well. The larger the electronegativity difference, the stronger the covalent bond tends to be. For example, a C-Cl bond with an electronegativity difference of .5 has a bond strength of 338 KJ/mol, whereas C-Br bond with an electronegativity difference of .3 has a bond strength of 276 KJ/mol.


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