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

18728 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Nitrous acid, HNO2, is a weak Bronsted-Lowry acid with a Ka value of 4.43x10-4 mol dm-3. Calculate the pH of 0.375 mol dm-3 of HNO2.


Why does Phosphorus have a higher melting point than Chlorine?


Why is phenol more easily nitrated than Benzene?


How can you test for aldehydes and ketones?


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