A metal forms chloride in its +2 and +4 oxidation states. Which of the following statements about these chlorides is correct?

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${MCl}_{2}$ is more ionic than ${MCl}_{4}$

${MCl}_{2}$ is more easily hydrolysed than ${MCl}_{4}$

${MCl}_{2}$ is more volatile than ${MCl}_{4}$

${MCl}_{2}$ is more soluble in anhydrous ethanol than ${MCl}_{4}$

answer is A.

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Detailed Solution

According to Fajan's Law, if a cation has a low positive charge than it will be ionic whereas if the cation has a large positive charge then it will be covalent, the nature of a compound, whether it will be ionic or covalent, relies a lot on the oxidation state of the cation.

The Fajan's Law claims that it applies to cations and makes predictions about the types of compounds that they will form based on the cation's size, charge, and electronic configuration. It states that although cations with big size, small charge, and the presence of tiny cations lead to the creation of ionic compounds, those with small size, high charge, and the presence of large anions are predicted to form covalent compounds.

Therefore, given that MCl₂ has a stronger ionic character than MCl₄, it should be more ionic than MCl₄.

Hence, the correct option is (A).

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