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why if HF a gas at room temperature?

is it due to the fact that H and F are non-metals, thus they form a covalent bond?
Reply 1
Avatar for James G
James G
6
They form covalent bonds and thus intermolecular forces between them are weak enough to be broken at room temperature, the intermolecular forces being hydrogen bonding mainly, and van der waals (I think).
Intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the partially positive H atoms and the partially negative fluorine atoms in the H-F molecules
I don't think hydrogen bonding counts as a covalent bond, but hydrogen bonds formed from the proton on the H being attracted to the electronegative F. This can occur because H and F are both small molecules so therefore can get close enough to form this bond. Hydrogen bonds are individually weak but collectively strong, so the individual hydrogen bonds between molecules are broken to due sufficient heat energy being provided at room temperature

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