Why HCl & NaCl Show Different Crystal Structures

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NaCl is classified as an ionic crystal because it consists of sodium and chlorine ions that form through the transfer of electrons, resulting in charged ions that are held together by strong electrostatic forces. In contrast, HCl is a covalent molecule where the hydrogen and chlorine atoms share electrons rather than transferring them. This fundamental difference in bonding—ionic in NaCl versus covalent in HCl—explains why NaCl forms an ionic crystal structure while HCl does not, despite both compounds exhibiting polarity.
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Why hcl is not an ionic crystal bt Nacl is?? (Both show polarity)

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gracy said:
Why hcl is not an ionic crystal bt Nacl is?? (Both show polarity)

[PLAIN]https://ssl.gstatic.com/s2/oz/images/cleardot.gif[/QUOTE]
The bond holding NaCl together is ionic in nature, i.e. the Na atom 'gives' an electron to the chlorine atom resulting in two charged ions which are attracted by the Coulomb interaction. In HCl the bonding is covalent, i.e. the outer electrons are shared. Hence NaCl is an ionic compund, and HCl is not.
 
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