A metal X forms two bromides with the formulae XBr2 and XBr3. What type of bonding exists between X and bromine in the bromide?
-
Ionic bonding
- Metallic bonding
- Dative bonding
- Covalent bonding
The correct answer is: A
Explanation
If the metal X forms two bromides with the formulae XBr\(_2\) and XBr\(_3\), it simply means it has variable oxidation number or states which is one of the characteristics of transition metals. This implies X is a metal. However, whenever a metal combines with a non-metal, there is usually a transfer of electrons from the metals to the non-metals, and the type of bond formed is the ionic or electrovalent bond.