Question

The structures of beryllium chloride in solid state and vapour phase, are :

• A. Chain and dimer, respectively
• B. Linear in both
• C. Dimer and Linear, respectively
• D. Chain in both

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

The question asks about the structural forms of beryllium chloride (BeCl₂) in solid state and vapor phase. To answer this correctly, we must understand the chemistry behind the structure of BeCl₂ in different states.

Solid State: In the solid state, BeCl₂ forms a polymeric chain structure. This is due to the fact that beryllium has a small size and high polarizing power, which causes it to form covalent bonds with chlorine atoms. Each beryllium atom is bridged to two chlorine atoms, forming a linear chain.

Vapor Phase: In the vapor phase, BeCl₂ exists as a dimer, (BeCl₂)₂. This occurs because, in the gaseous state, the molecule seeks to minimize energy, leading to the formation of a stable dimeric form with two Be atoms bridged by two Cl atoms.

Hence, the structures of beryllium chloride in solid state and vapor phase are chain and dimer, respectively.

Thus, the correct answer is: Chain and dimer, respectively.