Silver iodide crystallizes in the zinc blende structure. The separation between nearest-neighbor cations and anions is approximately 325 pm, and the melting point is 558 °C. Cesium chloride, by contrast, crystallizes in the structure shown in Figure 13.14.

Even though the separation between nearest-neighbor cations and anions is greater (348 pm), the melting point of cesium chloride is higher (645 °C). Explain.

Transcribed Image Text:

Cesium chloride (CsCI) Cs+ CI™ A FIGURE 13.14 Cesium Chloride Unit Cell The different colored spheres in this figure represent the different ions in the compound.