Question

What is the strongest interparticle force in a sample of ALCL3? a. dipole-dipole b. dispersion c. electrostatic d. hydrogen bond e. ion-dipole

Answer 1

Answer: c. electrostatic if AlCl3 is in solid state

Aluminum chloride is a solid at room temperature and exists as a network of Al and Cl atoms in which the bonds have about 45% ionic character. In the liquid and gaseous state, aluminum chloride exists as the Al2Cl6 dimer, which is a discrete molecule. Molten Al2Cl6 does not conduct electricity, indicating that ions are not present. Here is where the state symbol would be useful. It is more likely to be solid AlCl3, and the assumption is that the compound consists of ions which are held together by electrostatic forces.