Molecules of hydrogen chloride, HCl, and molecules of fluorine, F2, contain the same number of electrons. Hydrogen chloride boils at –85 °C and fluorine boils at –188 °C.Explain why there is a difference in the boiling points of HCl and F2.

F2 has van der Waals’ forces, whilst HCl has permanent dipole–dipole attractions. Permanent dipole–dipole attractions are much stronger than induced dipoles. More enegery is required to break the stronger permanent dipole–dipole attractions, and therefore HCL has a higher boiling point. 

EA
Answered by Ellis A. Chemistry tutor

28098 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

What sort of mechanism is used during monobromination of benzene?


When propanal is reacted with potassium cyanide under weakly acidic conditions the resulting mixture does not rotate plane polarised light. Explain this observation.


Name and explain the three types of isomerism present in organic compounds.


What is Hund's rule?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2025 by IXL Learning