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

18056 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Can you help me with the question: "State and explain the trend in boiling temperature of hydrogen halides down the group"?


What are the features of a dynamic equilibrium?


explain what an enantiomer is


Why does butan-2-ol have no effect on plane polarised light?


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