Question

What is the structure of BeCl₂ molecule in gaseous and solid state?

Answer 1

Beryllium chloride has different structures in solid and vapour state. In solid-state, it exists in the form of polymeric chain structure in which each Be^– atom is surrounded by four chlorine atoms, having two of the chlorine atoms covalently boned while the other two by coordinate bonds. The resulting bridge structure contains infinite chains.

                            Structure of BeCl₂ in solid-state

In vapour state, above 1200 K, it exists as a monomer having linear structure and zero dipole moment. But below 1200 K, it exists as dimer even in the vapour state.