About HCL whether it is ionic or covalent compound

Question

As we know that electrolytes are ionic compound and in its example HI, NaOH, KOH, LiOH are presented and (HCL)  is also presented. Tell me whether it is right  or not. As we know HCL is covalent compound, so why it is placed in electrolytes examples. 

Answer 1

The confusion comes mainly from the fact that H is not considered a metal.  We are taught that a metal + a non metal makes an ionic bond (ionic compound).  The other confounding aspect is that most compounds are neither 100% ionic or 100% covalent.  They are both.  Looking at the difference in electronegativity between H and Cl, you see that H is 2.1 and Cl is 3.0; so the difference is only 0.9.  This does not meet the general criterion for an ionic bond.  So, it is mostly covalent (polar covalent at that).  Does that answer your question?

Answer 2

In its gaseous state, HCl is a covalently bonded molecule but exhibits considerable polarity. In aqueous solution, the molecules ionizes to produce H+ and Cl- in The presence of water acting as a Base. The ability to ionize also makes it useful as an electrolyte.