Why does H2O have a higher melting point than CCl4?

Answer 1

It has to do with intermolecular forces. H2O has an oxygen with two hydrogens coming off of it. This forms two hydrogen bonds, which are much stronger than the London Dispersion Forces in CCl4. (Since CCl4 is non-polar, there are no Dipole-Dipole forces).

Answer 2

H2O has a higher melting point than CCl4 because it can form hydrogen bonds between its molecules, which are stronger than the dispersion forces in CCl4 molecules. The hydrogen bonds in H2O require more energy to break, resulting in a higher melting point compared to CCl4.