Percentage Ionic Character (Hannay-Smith Equation)

Rarely Tested

$$\% \text{ Ionic Character} = 16 \cdot \vert{}X_A - X_B\vert{} + 3.5 \cdot \vert{}X_A - X_B\vert{}^2$$

Concept: Estimates the operational fraction of ionic behavior in a predominantly covalent bond using the electronegativity difference between the two bonded atoms.

Notation:

  • $$\% \text{ Ionic Character}$$ = Calculated percentage value;
  • $$X_A, X_B$$ = Pauling electronegativity values of combining atoms A and B.
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