`BI_(3)` is an ionic compound. True or false

Explanation

To determine whether \( \text{Bi}_3 \) is an ionic compound, we can analyze the properties of the elements involved and the nature of the bonding.

### Step 1: Identify the elements in \( \text{Bi}_3 \)
- The compound \( \text{Bi}_3 \) refers to a compound containing bismuth (Bi).

### Step 2: Understand the nature of bismuth
- Bismuth is a post-transition metal and is located in group 15 of the periodic table. It has properties that are more metallic than non-metallic.

### Step 3: Analyze the bonding in \( \text{Bi}_3 \)
- Bismuth typically forms covalent bonds rather than ionic bonds. This is due to its relatively low electronegativity and the tendency to share electrons rather than transfer them completely.

### Step 4: Compare ionization energy and lattice energy
- For a compound to be ionic, the energy required to remove electrons (ionization energy) must be lower than the energy released when the ions come together to form a lattice (lattice energy). In the case of bismuth, the ionization energy is relatively high, making it less favorable for bismuth to form \( \text{Bi}^{3+} \) ions.

### Step 5: Conclusion
- Since the formation of \( \text{Bi}^{3+} \) ions is energetically unfavorable and bismuth tends to form covalent compounds, we conclude that \( \text{Bi}_3 \) is not an ionic compound.

Therefore, the statement that \( \text{Bi}_3 \) is an ionic compound is **False**.

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