Why Isn't HCl a Hydrogen Bond?

In summary, the conversation discusses the differences between the electronegativity of Cl and N, the hydrogen bonding abilities of NH3 and HCl, and the role of lone pair electrons in hydrogen bonding. The main point is that while N and Cl have similar electronegativities, HCl cannot form a hydrogen bond due to the size and diffuse nature of the lone pairs on Cl.
  • #1
loup
36
0
Cl gets similar electronegativity as N, NH3 is a hydrogen bond, but HCl isn't, why?
N and Cl also gets lone pair electrons! N and Cl is more or less the same.

Could anybody please answer this question?

Okay, if I rephrase it, it will become why the bonding between H and Cl isn't hydrogen bond?
But I actually think you can still get what I mean......:rolleyes:
 
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  • #2
HCl is not a hydrogen bond because HCl is a molecule. Please try to reword your question, as it doesn't make sense right now.
 
  • #3
Do you mean other than the fact that it is defined as such?

a hydrogen bond results from a hydrogen bonded to oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine.
 
  • #4
Although one might expect hydrogen bonding to occur between HCl molecules, since Cl's electronegatively is on par with nitrogen for instance. However, chlorine is too large, and thus the lone pairs are too diffuse ie. not concentrated enough, and hence hydrogen bond attractions between Cl's lone pairs and hydrogen atoms can not form.
 
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  • #5
Too diffuse, this suggests a good reason. So it is not a matter between the bonded Cl and H, but a matter bewteen the Cl lone pair and other Hydrogen atoms?
 
  • #6
Yes, that's correct.
 

FAQ: Why Isn't HCl a Hydrogen Bond?

1. Why is HCl not considered a hydrogen bond?

HCl is not considered a hydrogen bond because it does not contain a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative element, such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. Hydrogen bonds only occur between molecules with these specific bonding characteristics.

2. Can HCl form hydrogen bonds with other molecules?

No, HCl cannot form hydrogen bonds with other molecules because it does not contain a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative element. Therefore, it does not have the necessary bonding characteristics to form hydrogen bonds.

3. What is the difference between a hydrogen bond and a covalent bond?

The main difference between a hydrogen bond and a covalent bond is the type of bonding that occurs. A hydrogen bond is a weak electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom, while a covalent bond is a strong sharing of electrons between two atoms.

4. Can HCl participate in other types of bonding?

Yes, HCl can participate in other types of bonding, such as ionic bonding and van der Waals forces. However, it cannot participate in hydrogen bonding due to its lack of a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative element.

5. How does the lack of hydrogen bonding affect the properties of HCl?

The lack of hydrogen bonding in HCl affects its properties in several ways. For example, HCl has a lower boiling point and weaker intermolecular forces compared to molecules that can form hydrogen bonds. It also has a lower heat of vaporization and a lower surface tension.

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