Explain which molecule has the highest boilng point HCL, water ot CH4?

HCl, due to chlorine electronegativity, is a polar molecule. This causes dipole-dipole interactions between molecules that need to be overcome for the molecules to boil. Water also has dipole interactions between its molecules. Also, water forms hydrogen bonding between adjacent molecules. Hydrogen reacts with the highly electronegative oxygen on the other molecule. This is a strong type of interaction and requires more energy than dipole-dipole interactions. Hence, water has higher boiling point than HCL. As to the methane, it is a non-poplar molecule. The electronegativity difference between carbon and hydrogen is not big enough to form a polar molecule. The forces present are London forces, which are the result of the movement of electrons. London forces are the weakest than dipole and hydrogen bonding, therefore methane has the lowest boiling point.

Answered by Julia Ż. Chemistry tutor

18662 Views

See similar Chemistry IB tutors

Related Chemistry IB answers

All answers ▸

List the three characteristic properties of reactant particles which affect the rate of reaction as described by the collision theory.


Explain whether phosphine or ammonia has a higher boiling point


Which are four factors affecting the rate of a chemical reaction and how do these affect the rate constant of the reaction?


List the following compounds in order of increasing acidity in aqueous solution, giving reasons for your choices: HCl, HI, HBr, HF.


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