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Find the formula of halide of a metal whose successive ionization energies are 10, 16, 25, 400, 500 eV mol$^{-1}$ respectively:

A$MX$
B$MX_2$
C$MX_3$
D$M_2X$
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C. $MX_3$
The large jump in ionization energy occurs between the 3rd and 4th ionizations: $25 \to 400$. This means the atom loses three valence electrons relatively easily, but removing the fourth would disturb a stable inner shell. Hence the metal commonly forms $M^{3+}$, so its halide is $MX_3$.
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