SnCl4 is a volatile covalent liquid whereas SnCl2 is a solid with considerably higher melting point. The best explanation is

Sn^4+ has a higher charge and smaller size than Sn^2+, so it polarises the chloride ion more and the bonding is more covalent (Fajans' rules)

SnCl4 has a larger molar mass and therefore a lower boiling point

Sn^4+ has a higher charge and smaller size than Sn^2+, so it polarises the chloride ion more and the bonding is more covalent (Fajans' rules)

Sn^2+ is smaller than Sn^4+ and so is more covalent

tin in SnCl2 is sp^3 hybridised, forming a three-dimensional network

JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3pb217

$SnCl X_{4}$ is a volatile covalent liquid whereas $SnCl X_{2}$ is a solid with considerably higher melting point. The best explanation is

A $SnCl X_{4}$ has a larger molar mass and therefore a lower boiling point
B $Sn X^{4 +}$ has a higher charge and smaller size than $Sn X^{2 +}$ , so it polarises the chloride ion more and the bonding is more covalent (Fajans' rules)
C $Sn X^{2 +}$ is smaller than $Sn X^{4 +}$ and so is more covalent
Dtin in $SnCl X_{2}$ is $s p^{3}$ hybridised, forming a three-dimensional network

Fajans' rules: higher cationic charge and smaller cationic radius cause greater polarisation of the anion, hence more covalent character.

Sn X^{4 +}

is more polarising, so

SnCl X_{4}

is a discrete tetrahedral molecule with weak intermolecular forces, while

SnCl X_{2}

is more ionic.