Describe and explain the trend in boiling points in the first four hydrogen halides

HF has the highest boiling point this is followed by HI, then HBr with HCl having the lowest boiling point of the four molecules. This is because HF is able to form Hydrogen bonds whereas the other three molecules are unable to do so because their electronegativity is not large enough to create a sufficient dipole. The boiling point then increases down the group from HCl to HI because the halogens increase in size. This means that the van der waal forces are stronger down the group therefore they require more energy to overcome. The more energy that is required to overcome the intermolecular forces the higher the boiling point.

TM
Answered by Theo M. Chemistry tutor

51573 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

3-methyl pent 2 ene reacts with HBr to form two products. Which of these products is the minor and major product and why?


Why do I have to learn about electron shells.


Explain the geometry and bond angles in a NH3 molecule


A 1000 cm3 container of ammonia (NH3) has a mass of 20.7g, it is stored at room temperature (298 K). When empty the container has a mass of 20.0 g, calculate the pressure inside the container in kPa to an appropriate number of significant figures.


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