Since chlorine has greater electronegativity than hydrogen in hydrochloric acid (HCl), the electrons in the H-Cl bond are drawn closer to the chlorine atom, giving Cl a partial negative charge (δ-) and H a partial positive charge (δ+). This polar covalent bond creates a slightly positive hydrogen end and a slightly negative chlorine end in the HCl molecule. This polarity enables HCl to dissolve other polar substances and gives it its acidic properties when dissolved in water.