Which possesses highest percentage of ionic character 

Options

A. `HCl`
B. `HBr`
C. `HF`
D. `HI`

Answer

To determine which compound possesses the highest percentage of ionic character among the given options (HCl, HBr, HF, and HF), we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Ionic Character
Ionic character in a bond is influenced by the difference in electronegativity between the two atoms involved in the bond. The greater the difference, the higher the ionic character.

### Step 2: Identify the Electronegativity of Halogens
The halogens (Group 17 elements) have the following electronegativities:
- Fluorine (F): 4.0
- Chlorine (Cl): 3.0
- Bromine (Br): 2.8
- Iodine (I): 2.5

### Step 3: Analyze Each Compound
1. **HCl**: H (2.1) and Cl (3.0) → Difference = 3.0 - 2.1 = 0.9
2. **HBr**: H (2.1) and Br (2.8) → Difference = 2.8 - 2.1 = 0.7
3. **HF**: H (2.1) and F (4.0) → Difference = 4.0 - 2.1 = 1.9
4. **HF**: (same as above)

### Step 4: Compare the Differences
From the differences calculated:
- HCl has a difference of 0.9
- HBr has a difference of 0.7
- HF has a difference of 1.9

### Step 5: Conclusion
Since HF has the highest electronegativity difference (1.9), it possesses the highest percentage of ionic character among the options provided.

### Final Answer
The compound that possesses the highest percentage of ionic character is **HF**.

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