If in `I_(2)Cl_(6)` the number of covalent bonds and coordinate bonds are m and n respectively. Find the sum of `m+n`

Answer

To solve the problem, we need to analyze the structure of the compound \( I_2Cl_6 \) and determine the number of covalent bonds (denoted as \( m \)) and coordinate bonds (denoted as \( n \)). Here’s the step-by-step solution:

### Step 1: Understand the Structure of \( I_2Cl_6 \)
The compound \( I_2Cl_6 \) is formed by the dimerization of \( ICl_3 \). Each iodine atom is bonded to three chlorine atoms, and the overall structure consists of two iodine atoms and six chlorine atoms.

### Step 2: Identify Covalent Bonds
Covalent bonds are formed by the mutual sharing of electrons between two atoms. In \( I_2Cl_6 \):
- Each iodine atom forms covalent bonds with two chlorine atoms.
- The bonds between iodine and chlorine where both atoms contribute electrons are counted as covalent bonds.

### Step 3: Count Covalent Bonds
- For each iodine atom, there are 2 covalent bonds formed with chlorine atoms.
- Since there are 2 iodine atoms, the total number of covalent bonds \( m \) is:
\[ m = 2 \text{ (from first I)} + 2 \text{ (from second I)} = 4 \]

### Step 4: Identify Coordinate Bonds
Coordinate bonds (or dative bonds) occur when one atom provides both electrons for the bond. In \( I_2Cl_6 \):
- Each iodine atom can also form a coordinate bond with one chlorine atom, where the chlorine atom donates a lone pair of electrons to the iodine.

### Step 5: Count Coordinate Bonds
- Each iodine atom forms 1 coordinate bond with a chlorine atom.
- Therefore, the total number of coordinate bonds \( n \) is:
\[ n = 1 \text{ (from first I)} + 1 \text{ (from second I)} = 2 \]

### Step 6: Calculate the Sum \( m + n \)
Now that we have both \( m \) and \( n \):
- \( m = 4 \) (covalent bonds)
- \( n = 2 \) (coordinate bonds)

The sum \( m + n \) is:
\[ m + n = 4 + 2 = 6 \]

### Final Answer
The sum of \( m + n \) is \( 6 \).

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