Why does iodine have a higher boiling point than chlorine?

Neither iodine or chlorine have permanent dipoles because there is no difference in electronegativity between the atoms, so there are no permanent dipole : permanent dipole interactions. There are also no hydrogen bonds, so the only intermolecular interactions involved are instantaneous dipole : induced dipole attractions.
Iodine is a larger molecule than chlorine, meaning it has more electrons. Therefore the London forces between neighbouring iodine molecules are stronger than those between neighbouring chlorine molecules. This means that they require more energy to overcome and hence the boiling point is higher.

EE
Answered by Ellie E. Chemistry tutor

8975 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

How do mass spectrometers measure the mass of a compound?


How can crude oil be used as a source of hydrocarbons?


Explain the trend in melting points of the period 3 elements


A) What assumptions are made about ideal gases. B) if 14g of an ideal gas is added to a 4 dm3 container at 210Kpa pressure and a temperature of 40oc how many moles were added and suggest the identity of the gas.


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