The molecular size of ICl and Br2 is approximately same, but b.p. if ICl is about 40°C higher than t — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question
Question
The molecular size of ICl and Br2 is approximately same, but b.p. if ICl is about 40°C higher than that of Br2. It is because :
💡 Solution & Explanation
Step 1: Note that because ICl and Br2 have similar molecular sizes and masses, their London dispersion forces are comparable in strength. Step 2: However, ICl consists of two atoms with different electronegativities, making it a polar molecule with dipole-dipole intermolecular attractions. Br2 is homonuclear and completely non-polar, having only dispersion forces. Step 3: The additional dipole-dipole forces in ICl require more energy to overcome, resulting in a significantly higher boiling point. Thus, option (c) is correct.