Electronegativity definitions

Paulings definition

Electronegativity is defined based on the difference in homoatomic and heteroatomic bond energy

Pauling relies on

Heteroatomic and homoatomic bond energy

Pauling limitations

• Relies on ability to form covalent bonds

• doesn't apply to unbonded atoms, noble gases or noncovalently bonded atoms

Milliken definition

Electronegativity is based on the average of an atoms ionisation energy and electron affinity

Milliken limitations

• Relies on experimental IE and EA data

• Doesn't apply to elements with undefined EA (noble gases)

Allred and Rochow definition

Electronegativity is based on the electrostatic force exerted on the valence/bonding electrons by the nucleus

Allred and Rochow limitations

• Relies on knowledge of covalent radius

• Assumes the spherical distrbution of electrons around the nucleus

Allen definition

Electronegativity is based on the average energy of the valence electrons in an atom in its ground state based on spectroscopically collected data