Given: Ionisation enthalpy of E is 374kJ mol−1. Electron gain enthalpy values are A = −328kJ mol−1, B = −349kJ mol−1, C = −325kJ mol−1, and D = −295kJ mol−1.
Find: The correct order of EA, EB, EC, ED in terms of ionic character.
The solution states that a larger difference between the ionisation enthalpy of E and the electron gain enthalpy of the other element gives greater ionic character.
Electron gain enthalpy values from least negative to most negative are:
D(−295)<C(−325)<A(−328)<B(−349)Using the extracted solution conclusion, the ionic character is greatest for ED and decreases in the order:
ED>EC>EB>EATherefore, the correct option is C.