Correlation among electronegativity, cation polarizability, optical basicity and single bond strength of simple oxides

► A suitable relationship between free-cation polarizability and electronegativity of elements was searched. ► The cation polarizability increases with decreasing element electronegativity. ► The single bond strength of simple oxides decreases with decreasing the electronegativity. ► The observed trends were discussed on the basis of type of chemical bonding in simple oxides.