Why doesn't chlorine form hydrogen bonds even though it is more electronegative than nitrogen?

Chlorine has a higher electronegativity, but as it has a large atomic radius the electron density is spread out over a large area. This means that the electron density is too low to form proper hydrogen bonds, and will only be attracted via dipole-dipole attraction.

CL
Answered by Callum L. Chemistry tutor

20159 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Why does ice float on water? Use the structure of different states of matter to support your answer.


How does a change in temperature affect the Kc value when the forward reaction is exothermic?


Explain why Phenol is more reactive than Benzene with bromine water.


Calculate the relative atomic mass of an atom.


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