Question

In order for a crystal to undergo intercalation or ion exchange method, which is the most important characteristics that it must possess for this?

(a) Degree of ionization

(b) Degree of evaporation

(c) Degree of crystallization

(d) Degree of structural openness

This question was addressed to me in a job interview.

The origin of the question is Modification of Existing Structures by Ion Exchange and Intercalation Reactions topic in section Preparative Methods of Solid State Chemistry

Answer 1

Correct choice is (d) Degree of structural openness

The explanation is: In order for a crystal to undergo any of the modification processes like intercalation or ion exchange method, it must possess certain structural characteristics, the most important is the degree of structural openness which permits foreign atoms or ions to readily diffuse into or out of the crystal.