Why does iodine have a higher boiling point than chlorine?

Neither iodine or chlorine have permanent dipoles because there is no difference in electronegativity between the atoms, so there are no permanent dipole : permanent dipole interactions. There are also no hydrogen bonds, so the only intermolecular interactions involved are instantaneous dipole : induced dipole attractions.
Iodine is a larger molecule than chlorine, meaning it has more electrons. Therefore the London forces between neighbouring iodine molecules are stronger than those between neighbouring chlorine molecules. This means that they require more energy to overcome and hence the boiling point is higher.

EE
Answered by Ellie E. Chemistry tutor

8184 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

State the qualitative tests to distinguish between halide ions in solution.


Define the "standard enthalpy change of atomisation".


When vaporised, isotopes of an element can be separated in a mass spectrometer. Name the three processes that occur in a mass spectrometer before the vaporised isotopes can be detected. State how each process is achieved. (6 marks)


Why does ice float on water?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

© MyTutorWeb Ltd 2013–2025

Terms & Conditions|Privacy Policy
Cookie Preferences