Why HCl is polar covalent compound?

Thread starter hira123
Start date Oct 30, 2015
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Chemical bonding Hcl Polar

In summary, HCl is considered a polar covalent compound due to the unequal sharing of electrons between hydrogen and chlorine atoms, resulting in partial charges on each atom. The significant electronegativity difference between hydrogen and chlorine also contributes to its polarity. The linear molecular geometry of HCl also plays a role in its polarity, causing an asymmetrical distribution of electron density. The polarity of HCl affects its physical properties, such as high solubility in polar solvents and low melting and boiling points. While HCl can form hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules, it cannot form them with itself due to the lack of a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom.

Oct 30, 2015

hira123

since HCl dissociates in H+ and Cl- like NaCl then why it is not ionic still??
tell except electronegativity diff?

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Oct 30, 2015

DrClaude

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This has already been discussed here: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/i-dont-understand-how-hcl-is-not-a-ionic-bond.449393/

with a follow-up here: https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/ionic-versus-covalent.837691/

1. Why is HCl considered a polar covalent compound?

HCl is considered a polar covalent compound because it is formed by the sharing of electrons between hydrogen and chlorine atoms. However, the electrons are not shared equally, resulting in a partial positive charge on the hydrogen atom and a partial negative charge on the chlorine atom, making it a polar molecule.

2. How does the electronegativity difference between hydrogen and chlorine affect the polarity of HCl?

The electronegativity difference between hydrogen and chlorine is 3.16, which is considered significant. This means that chlorine has a higher attraction for electrons compared to hydrogen, resulting in an unequal sharing of electrons and creating a dipole moment in the molecule, making it polar.

3. What is the role of molecular geometry in determining the polarity of HCl?

The molecular geometry of HCl plays a significant role in determining its polarity. In this case, HCl has a linear geometry, with the hydrogen and chlorine atoms on opposite sides of the molecule. This results in an asymmetrical distribution of electron density, making it a polar molecule.

4. How does the polarity of HCl affect its physical properties?

The polarity of HCl affects its physical properties in several ways. One of the main effects is its high solubility in polar solvents, such as water, due to the attraction between the positive and negative ends of the molecule. It also has a low melting and boiling point due to the weak intermolecular forces between polar molecules.

5. Can HCl form hydrogen bonds due to its polarity?

Yes, HCl can form hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules, such as water. Hydrogen bonding occurs when the positive end of one molecule is attracted to the negative end of another molecule, resulting in a stronger intermolecular force. However, HCl cannot form hydrogen bonds with itself as it does not have a hydrogen atom bonded to an electronegative atom.