State and explain the trend in melting points of diamond, iodine and hydrogen fluoride.

Diamond is covalently bonded and has a giant covalent structure. Covalent bonds require lots of energy to break as they are strong so diamond has the highest melting point. Iodine has only weak intermolecular forces (instantaneous dipole-dipole interactions or London forces) whereas hydrogen fluoride has a permanent dipole and can hydrogen bond (as well as having London forces). Hydrogen bonding and permanent dipoles are stronger than Londer forces so more energy is needed to overcome them, therefore hydrogen fluoride has a higher melting point than iodine. Diamond has the highest melting point as bonds have to be broken whereas iodine and hydrogen fluoride are simple covalent molecules so they are held together by the intermolecular forces.

CF
Answered by Ceri F. Chemistry tutor

19797 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

A solution of ethanoic acid is made by dissolving 3g of pure liquid propanoic acid in 500cm^3 water. Given the pH of the solution is 2.98, calculate Ka.


Explain why hydrogen bromide has a higher boiling point than hydrogen chloride.


Work out the shape of an SF6 molecule


Draw the reaction mechanism for the formation of ethanol from bromoethane and water and name the mechanism.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences