Correlation among electronegativity, cation polarizability, optical basicity and single bond strength of simple oxides

A suitable relationship between free-cation polarizability and electronegativity of elements in different valence states and with the most common coordination numbers has been searched on the basis of the similarity in physical nature of both quantities. In general, the cation polarizability increases with decreasing element electronegativity. A systematic periodic change in the polarizability against the electronegativity has been observed in the isoelectronic series. It has been found that generally the optical basicity increases and the single bond strength of simple oxides decreases with decreasing the electronegativity. The observed trends have been discussed on the basis of electron donation ability of the oxide ions and type of chemical bonding in simple oxides. - Graphical abstract: This figure shows the single bond strength of simple oxides as a function of element electronegativity. A remarkable correlation exists between these independently obtained quantities. High values of electronegativity correspond to high values of single bond strength and vice versa. It is obvious that the observed trend in this figure is closely related to the type of chemical bonding in corresponding oxide. Highlights: ► A suitable relationship between free-cation polarizability and electronegativity of elements was searched. ► The cation polarizability increases with decreasing element electronegativity. ► The single bond strength of simple oxides decreases with decreasing the electronegativity. ► The observed trends were discussed on the basis of type of chemical bonding in simple oxides.