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

17109 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why is the melting point of saturated carbon chains greater than unsaturated carbon chains?


Why does the pH of neutral water drop when it is left out in an uncovered container on a worktop for a long period of time?


How would you test for the presence of a phenol?


How would you find out whether a reaction is feasible?


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