`SnCl_(4)` is a covalent compound whereas `SnCl_(2)` is an ionic compound-why?

Explanation

According to Fajan's rule, a cation having small size and high charge exerts large polarising effect on the neighbouring anion resulting in the development of considerable amount of covalent character in the compound. `Sn^(4+)` ion having high charge and small size compared to those of `Sn^(2+)` ion polarises `Cl^(-)` ion to a greater extent. therefore, `SnCl_(4)` behaves as a covalent compound whereas `SnCl_(2)` as an ionic compound.