Is Chlorine Gas (Cl2) Ionic or Covalent?
Is Chlorine Gas (Cl2) ionic or covalent?
Cl2 is a homonuclear diatomic molecule with a pure covalent bond. Identical atoms share electrons equally with zero EN difference.
| Formula | Cl2 |
| Name | Chlorine Gas |
| Bond Type | Nonpolar Covalent |
| EN Values | Cl: 3.16, Cl: 3.16 |
| EN Difference | 0 |
| Electron Behavior | Equal sharing |
| Melting Point | -101 C (low) |
| Conductivity | Does not conduct electricity |
| Solubility | Slightly soluble in water |
| Key Concept | Pure covalent bond in a homonuclear diatomic |
Overview
Chlorine gas exists as Cl2 molecules. Two identical chlorine atoms share one pair of electrons.
Electronegativity Analysis
Both atoms are Cl with EN 3.16. The EN difference is 0.0, making this a perfectly nonpolar bond.
Electron Behavior
Electrons are shared equally between the two identical atoms. No partial charges develop.
Physical Properties
Cl2 is a gas at room temperature with a low boiling point (-34 C). It has only London dispersion forces between molecules.
See electronegativity values, partial charges, and bond character on interactive 3D molecules.
Visualize Chlorine Gas's Bonding in 3DRelated Topics
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Interactive Periodic Table
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