Is Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) Polar or Nonpolar?
Is Hydrogen Chloride (HCl) polar or nonpolar?
HCl has a single polar bond (ΔEN = 0.96). As a diatomic molecule, the bond dipole IS the molecular dipole - there is nothing to cancel it.
| Formula | HCl |
| Polarity | Polar |
| Molecular Geometry | Linear |
| H–Cl Bond | ΔEN = 0.96 (polar) |
| Net Dipole | Yes |
Bond Dipoles
The H–Cl bond has an electronegativity difference of 0.96 (Cl = 3.16, H = 2.20). Chlorine pulls electron density toward itself, creating a δ- on Cl and δ+ on H.
Molecular Shape & Dipole Cancellation
HCl is a diatomic molecule - linear by definition. With only one bond, there is no possibility of cancellation.
Net Dipole Moment
The molecular dipole equals the bond dipole, pointing from H toward Cl. HCl is polar and dissolves in water to form hydrochloric acid.
See bond dipoles, partial charges, and net dipole moments on interactive 3D molecules.
Visualize Hydrogen Chloride's Polarity in 3DRelated Topics
Hydrogen Chloride VSEPR Shape
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Hydrogen Chloride Intermolecular Forces
Identify the intermolecular forces in HCl
Is Water Polar?
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Is Carbon Dioxide Polar?
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