Analysis of crystal binding of ammonium halides

Electronic polarizabilities and sizes of ions in NH₄Cl, NH₄Br and NH₄I crystals are calculated using Ruffa's theory and an empirical relation between polarizability and radius. Using the electronic polarizabilities we have estimated the van der Waals dipole-dipole and dipole-quadrupole potentials following the Slater-Kirkwood varitional method. These potentials and ionic radii are then used to calculate the cohesive energies of ammonium halides. The results are discussed and compared with those of other investigators.