In which compound does Cr exhibit greater nonmetalic behavior, CrF2 or CrF6. Explain

Answer 1

In the compound CrF2, chromium (Cr) exhibits greater nonmetallic behavior compared to CrF6.

CrF2 is a binary compound, consisting of one chromium atom bonded to two fluorine atoms. In this compound, chromium has a +2 oxidation state, which means it has lost two electrons. This electron loss leaves chromium with a high effective nuclear charge, resulting in a higher attraction between electrons and the nucleus. As a result, chromium tends to have a higher electronegativity and behaves more like a nonmetal.

On the other hand, CrF6 is a compound called chromium hexafluoride, consisting of one chromium atom bonded to six fluorine atoms. In this compound, chromium has a +6 oxidation state, meaning it has lost six electrons. This electron loss makes chromium highly positively charged, resulting in a very high effective nuclear charge. In this state, the attractive force between electrons and the nucleus is very strong, making it difficult for chromium to attract and share additional electrons. As a result, the metallic behavior of chromium becomes more dominant.

Therefore, in CrF2, where chromium has a +2 oxidation state, it exhibits greater nonmetallic behavior compared to CrF6, where chromium has a +6 oxidation state.