How does polarisation affect the covalent character of ions?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the effect of polarization on the covalent character of ions, specifically addressing how unequal ion sizes influence electron attraction. It is established that a smaller cation can attract the electrons of a larger anion, leading to polarization. This polarization can enhance the covalent character of the bond formed between the ions, as the distortion of electron clouds facilitates electron sharing. The key takeaway is that while size plays a role, it is the charge and electron affinity that primarily dictate the interactions between ions.

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They say that when 2 unequal ions of different sizes approach;the smaller ion attracts the bigger's electrons..now of course they are talking about the smaller one's nucleus,then why not that ion's electrons..will they not repel the other ion's electrons? and why not the other way round-the bigger attracting/repelling the smaller..? And even if we assume there is a net attraction and the bigger(anion) gets a bit distorted,then how is it ever going to affect/alter the former capability of the anion of losing electron(s) and out of nowhere impact sharing(co-valent) character to it?
 
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Shivam123 said:
They say that when 2 unequal ions of different sizes approach;the smaller ion attracts the bigger's electrons

No, the positively charged ions attracts electrons of the negative one. Size is irrelevant.

That is - it is relevant, but it is not the size that defines what attracts what.
 
Ok got that thank you. But then again how does the attraction impart covalent character?
 

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