JAMB - Chemistry (2025 - No. 41)

The compound [Cu(NH\(_3\))\(_4\)]Cl\(_2\) is an ionic compound composed of a complex cation, the tetraamminecopper(II) ion ([Cu(NH\(_3\))\(_4\)]\(^{2+}\)), and two chloride anions (Cl\(^−\)).

The primary force connecting the positively charged complex ion and the negatively charged chloride ions is the electrostatic attraction known as an ionic bond. This bond forms between species with a significant difference in electronegativity, specifically between a cation and an anion.

Dative bonds (coordinate covalent bonds) exist within the complex ion itself, specifically between the central copper(II) ion and the nitrogen atoms of the ammonia ligands.

Van der Waals forces and typical covalent bonds are not the main attractive forces between the distinct cation and anion units in this solid salt structure.

The correct answer is ionic - option C