Why doesn't chlorine form hydrogen bonds even though it is more electronegative than nitrogen?

Chlorine has a higher electronegativity, but as it has a large atomic radius the electron density is spread out over a large area. This means that the electron density is too low to form proper hydrogen bonds, and will only be attracted via dipole-dipole attraction.

CL
Answered by Callum L. Chemistry tutor

19523 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

what is electronegativity and explain the trend in electronegativity as we go down the group?


What is the effect of temperature on K(equilibrium constant)?


An excess of Lead (II) oxide reacts with 175cm3 of 1.5 mol dm3 nitric acid. Calculate the maximum quantity of lead that can be obtained from this reaction.


Why is the first ionisation energy of barium larger than the first ionsiation energy of caesium?


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:

© 2026 by IXL Learning