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

20233 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Name and draw the mechanism where bromoethane reacts with NaOH to form ethanol.


Alcohols can be converted into alkenes in an elimination reaction. The elimination of H2O from pentan-2-ol forms a mixture of organic products. Give the names and structures of all the organic products in the mixture.


Sodium chloride and sodium metal can both conduct electricity under differing conditions. Give the conditions required for each to conduct electricity and explain how each conducts electricity.


What are the different types of intermolecular forces?


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