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The S-Block Elements

Question
CBSEENCH11007156

Draw the structure of: (i) BeCl2 (vapour) (ii) BeCl2 (solid).

Solution

In the solid state, BeCl2 has polymeric chain structure. Be atom is tetrahedrally surrounded by four Cl atoms - two are bonded by covalent bonds while the other two by coordinate bonds. The polymeric structure of BeCl2 is due to its electron deficient nature. It has only four electrons in valence shell and can accept two pairs of electrons from neighbouring chlorine atoms to complete their octet.

In the vapour state, beryllium chloride exists as a dimer (Be2Cl4) which dissociates at 1200 K into monomer (BeCl2) which has a linear shape.