What is the ionic bond formation of aluminum and chlorine?

1 Answer
Ernest Z.
Feb 2, 2014

Aluminum and chlorine form covalent bonds, not ionic bonds.

Explanation:

The Al-Cl bond is polar covalent.

This is consistent with the fact that aluminum chloride changes directly from a solid to a gas at the relatively low temperature of 180 °C.

Al has three valence electrons.

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Cl has seven valence electrons.

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Al and Cl must achieve their octets by sharing electrons.

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AlCl3 is still electron deficient. The Al has only six electrons in its valence shell.

Measurements show that the formula of the vapour is Al2Cl6.

It exists as a dimer (two molecules joined together) in which two electrons from one Cl are shared with the Al of the other AlCl3 molecule to form a coordinate bond. In this way. all atoms gain an octet.

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Energy is released when the two coordinate bonds are formed, so the dimer is more stable than two separate AlCl3 molecules.

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