Explain the trend in boiling points between HF, HCl and HBr.

There are two themes in this answer. The first being the hydrogen bonding potential of HF and the second being the difference in size of the of the halide ions. Fluorine is one of three elements that can form hydogen bonds (as well as N and O). HF can both donate and recieve a hydrogen bond and the network this creates requires energy to break before the molecules themselves can be given enough kinetic energy to transfer into the gas phase. Hence this has the highest boiling point of the three. Bromine is a larger ion than chlorine and thus has stronger Van der Waals forces. Larger amounts of energy (a higher temperature) are required to break these interactions and so the boiling point of HBr is higher than HCl.

TS
Answered by Thomas S. Chemistry tutor

52714 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain, in terms of atomic energy levels, how an atomic emission spectrum is formed


Thinking about the periodicity of the period 3 elements, explain the structure of the Sodium and Phosphorus Oxides and the acid-base behaviour of the Oxide solutions.


Q2. Calculate the pH of the solution formed after 50.0 cm^3 of 0.0108 mol/dm^3 aqueous sodium hydroxide are added to beaker B. Give your answer to 2 decimal places


Explain why the atomic radii of the elements decrease across Period 3 from sodium to chlorine


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