Question

Which of the following indicates that the bonding in hydrogen chloride is covalent?

(i) An aqueous solution of hydrogen chloride form hydrogen with metals.
(ii) Hydrogen chloride is a gas.
(iii) Hydrogen chloride is not acidic in the absence of water.
(iv) Dry hydrogen chloride is a non-conductor of electricity.

• A. (ii), (iii) and (iv) only
• B. (i), (ii) and (iii) only
• C. (i) and (iv) only
• D. (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

Answer 1

The correct option is A (ii), (iii) and (iv) only

Most of the gases are covalent compounds.

$HCl$ do not releases proton ($H^{+}$) in the absence of water this indicates that the ionization of $HCl$ is not possible in the absence of water. So it has covalent nature.

Dry HCl doesn't conduct electricity because of its non-ionic nature or Covalent nature.

Most of the active metal reacts with HCl to form respective Metal chloride and Hydrogen gas. However, it doesn't indicate the nature of the bond of HCl in aq solution because they are already in ionic form.

Ex- $Mg\left(s\right)+HCl\left(aq\right)\to MgC{l}_2\left(aq\right)+H_2\left(g\right)$

Hence option A is correct