7.1 Why are pentahalides more covalent than trihalides?

<p><strong>7.1</strong></p><p>Pentahalides (like MX5) means the compounds in which metal is bonded with five halogen atoms. Thus, the oxidation state of metal here is +5. Similarly, trihalides (like MX3) means the compounds in which metal is bonded with three halogen atoms.</p><p>Thus, the oxidation state of metal here is +3. Now, as the polarizing power is directly proportional to the charge, the metals with the higher charge will have higher polarizing power. Hence, Pentahalides are more covalent than trihalides.<br>Note: Polarizing power is the ability of a cation to distort an anion.</p>

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