Hydrogen chloride (HCl) has a melting point of -114.2 °C. Sodium chloride (NaCl) has a melting point of 801 °C. Explain in terms of structure and bonding why these substances have such different melting points?
Hydrogen chloride has a simple molecular structure. The atoms within the molecule are held together by strong covalent bonds. However, for simple covalent molecules to melt only the weak intermolecular forces need to be overcome (not the strong covalent bonds). This requires very little energy and thus the melting point is low.
Sodium chloride is a giant ionic lattice. To melt the substance the strong electrostatic attractions between oppositely charged ions (ionic bonds) must be overcome. This requires large amounts of energy and thus the melting point is high.
AJ
Related Chemistry GCSE answers
All answers ▸How do some toxic chemicals cause environmental and health problems? (2 Marks)
How do I work out what the ionic charge is for different elements in the periodic table?
What is the difference between an alkene and an alkane?
Describe what happens to sodium and chlorine in a reaction to make Sodium cholride, you may use diagrams to help you.