Molecular chlorine, Cl2, has a smaller ionization energy than atomic chlorine, Cl (IE = 1108 kJ mol- — Bonding Chemistry Question
Question
Molecular chlorine, Cl2, has a smaller ionization energy than atomic chlorine, Cl (IE = 1108 kJ mol-1 for Cl2 and 1256 kJ mol-1 for Cl). Which is the best explanation for this difference?
A.
Cl2 has a covalent bond while Cl does not.
B.
Cl2 has no unpaired electrons while Cl has one unpaired electron.
C.✓ Correct
The electron ionized from Cl2 comes from an orbital that has antibonding character.
D.
The electron ionized from Cl2 comes from an orbital that has d orbital character.
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