In terms of structure and bonding explain why the boiling point of magnesium is much higher than that of bromine?

Bromine is molecular, existing as Br2 molecules, wheras magnesium is metallic and therefore exists in a large macromolecular structure. In bromine there are strong INTERmolecular covalent bonds, but only weak INTRAmolecular Van der Waals forces. It is these weak INTRAmolecular forces that must be overcome for bromine to boil. Magnesium exists as a large macromolecular structure (ie.a large interconnected lattice NOT molecules) with strong metallic bonds between the Magnesium ions and the sea of delocalised electrons. In orser for magnesium to boil these strong metallic bonds must be broken. It takes more energy (in the form of heat) to overcome the stronger metallic bonds in magnesium than the weaker INTRAmolecular Van der Waals forces in bromine, therefore magnesium has a higher boiling point than bromine.

EB
Answered by Edwina B. Chemistry tutor

28112 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Comparing aluminium and magnesium, which has a lower first ionisation energy? Explain.


I don't understand how the first two quantum numbers fit into describing atoms.


How does the reactivity change down Group 1 elements, and why?


For the reaction 2H2 + O2 -- 2H2O, how do I give an equation for the equilibrium constant in terms of the concentrations of products and reactants involved?


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