Hydrogen bonding and boiling point
Which compound has the highest boiling point?
Answer D: explanation for every choice
A
H2S is heavier than water but forms only weak dipole interactions.
B
Methane is nonpolar, with only London dispersion forces.
C
HCl is polar and has dipole–dipole forces, but chlorine is not electronegative enough to form strong hydrogen bonds.
D
Correct. Water forms extensive hydrogen bonds because hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative oxygen.
TakeawayHydrogen bonding (H on N, O, or F) sharply raises boiling points.
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Reviewed 2026-11-05 by a medical student. Spot an error? Report it with question ID cp47.