Final answer:
N-chloromethylamine is capable of forming hydrogen bonds between its molecules, contributing to higher boiling points compared to alkanes and influencing its solubility in water.
Step-by-step explanation:
N-chloromethylamine, an organic compound with a nitrogen (N) atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, has the potential for hydrogen bonding between its molecules. This occurs due to the electronegative nature of nitrogen, which attracts the hydrogen atoms from neighboring molecules, forming a weak intermolecular bridge. In comparison to alkanes, amines such as N-chloromethylamine can engage in hydrogen bonding because of the presence of this N-H bond, whereas alkanes lack the necessary electronegative atoms like nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine for hydrogen bonding.
For instance, the boiling points of amines are higher than alkanes but lower than alcohols with comparable molar mass due to the difference in the electronegativity of the atoms involved in hydrogen bonding. This intermolecular force is also significant in affecting the solubility of amines in water, with smaller amines being more soluble than larger ones. The presence of chlorine in N-chloromethylamine contributes to its polarity, adding to the potential for intermolecular interactions beyond hydrogen bonding, such as dipole-dipole interactions.