aamc 7 # 17

[lamborghiniMD]

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SiCl3H has a normal boiling point of 33C. WHat are the predominant forces between SiCl3H molecules?

a) H-bonds
b) Ionic
c) covalent
d) van der waals

---> the answer is van der waals, but why couldn't it be covalent?

 

[MangoPlant]

Covalent forces would be within each molecule of SiCl3H (such as the bond between the central Si and the three Cl molecules or the central Si and the H molecule) the question is asking for forces between individual molecules of SiCl3H.

 

[lamborghiniMD]

damn, i guess i didn't read the question stem properly. thanks!