Chemistry Why does NCl3 has dipole-dipole intermolecular force?

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NCl3 exhibits dipole-dipole intermolecular forces due to its trigonal pyramidal geometry, which results from one lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. Despite both nitrogen and chlorine having similar electronegativities, the molecular shape creates an uneven distribution of electron density, making NCl3 polar. The presence of the lone pair on nitrogen contributes to the dipole moment, leading to the polar characteristics of the molecule. This polarity allows NCl3 to engage in dipole-dipole interactions, distinguishing it from non-polar substances. Understanding the geometry and electron arrangement is crucial in explaining the intermolecular forces present in NCl3.
ducmod
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Hello!

I will be grateful for the explanation on why NCl3 has a dipole-dipole intermolecular force, if, based on electronegativity difference, or rather the absence of such, (both N and Cl have 3.0 electronegativity) this is a non-polar bond?

Thank you!
 
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What makes you think the molecule is planar?
 
Bystander said:
What makes you think the molecule is planar?
I am not sure I understand what you are asking, but if you refer to geometric structure, then
I think that N, having 5 valence electrons at its outer shell, is in the middle with valence electrons above it (not connected), and three
connections (sharing one electron with each Cl atom) with three Cl atoms.
Based on the electronegativity difference (its absence in fact), NCl3 should be pure covalent bond, but it is said to have
dipole-dipole moment, which only polar molecules can have.
Please, help me to understand why it is polar.
 
ducmod said:
(its absence in fact)
"Absence?"
 
Bystander said:
"Absence?"

I have no idea why you act in such in impolite way.
 
Folks, please, help me with this NCl3 matter. Thanks a lot!
 
ducmod said:
I am not sure I understand what you are asking, but if you refer to geometric structure, then
I think that N, having 5 valence electrons at its outer shell, is in the middle with valence electrons above it (not connected), and three
connections (sharing one electron with each Cl atom) with three Cl atoms.
Based on the electronegativity difference (its absence in fact), NCl3 should be pure covalent bond, but it is said to have
dipole-dipole moment, which only polar molecules can have.
Please, help me to understand why it is polar.

Do you know the difference between intermolecular force and intramolecular force ?
NCl3 is not planar though, I think it's trigonal pyramidal ( 4 steric number and one lone pair), and it's polar of course ( due to the one pair of free electrons)
So, what makes it have dipole-dipole moment is the pair of lone electrons
 

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