Question

Even though electronegativity of chlorine is equal to that of nitrogen, chlorine is unable to form hydrogen bonds. It is due to the fact that:

• A. chlorine has three lone pairs on it.
• B. atomic size of chlorine is comparatively large.
• C. atomic size of nitrogen is comparatively large.
• D. electron affinity of chlorine is highest.

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

atomic size of chlorine is comparatively large.

Electronegativity of chlorine = electonegativity of Nitrogen = $3$. But, due to the bulky size of chlorine, partial negative charge acquired on $Cl$ atom is distributed all over the $Cl$ atoms. As the charge density is reduced it cannot attract partial positive charge on H-atom effectively. So, $Cl$ cannot form H-bond because of its bulky size.