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

17562 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Explain why phenol is nitrated more readily than benzene.


Explain the reactions of CH3CH2Cl with the nucleophile NH3 and name the initial product formed.


What is entropy?


Flask Q (volume = 1.00 x 103 cm3 ) is filled with ammonia (NH3) at 102 kPa and 300 K. The tap is closed and there is a vacuum in flask P. (Gas constant R = 8.31 J K−1 mol−1 ) Calculate the mass of ammonia


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