Question

Why does NaCl have a higher melting point than MgCl2?

Answer 1

Answer:

This is because the bonds that exist between sodium and chloride, and magnesium and chloride are not entirely ionic and some degree of covalency exists. ... These factors combine to result in a higher force of attraction in sodium chloride as compared to magnesium chloride and hence a higher melting point for the former

Answer 2

MELTING POINT -

• The Melting point of a compound is based on the degree of ionic character of a compound.
• More the ionic character higher will be the melting point of the compound.
• Sodium chloride is an ionic compound and shows a more ionic and less covalent character as compared to Magnesium chloride.
• The force of attraction between the molecules in sodium chloride is more than in magnesium chloride.
• The ions of NaCl dissociated fast in an aqueous solution than MgCl compound.
• The electronegativity difference between NaCl molecules is more so shos more ionic character.
• These factors lead to the high melting point of sodium chloride in comparison to that of magnesium chloride.