Question:

Which of the following compounds exhibits the highest boiling point due to hydrogen bonding?

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Strong hydrogen bonding occurs mainly when hydrogen is attached to: \[ \text{F, O, or N} \] Compounds containing these bonds usually have unusually high boiling points.
Updated On: May 29, 2026
  • \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \)
  • \( \text{H}_2\text{S} \)
  • \( \text{CH}_4 \)
  • \( \text{HCl} \)
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

Concept: Hydrogen bonding is a strong intermolecular force that occurs when hydrogen is directly bonded to highly electronegative atoms such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. Stronger intermolecular forces result in higher boiling points.

Step 1:
Identify which compound can form strong hydrogen bonds.
Among the given compounds:
• \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \): Oxygen is highly electronegative, so strong hydrogen bonding occurs.
• \( \text{H}_2\text{S} \): Sulfur is less electronegative; hydrogen bonding is negligible.
• \( \text{CH}_4 \): No hydrogen bonding possible.
• \( \text{HCl} \): Does not form significant hydrogen bonding.

Step 2:
Relate hydrogen bonding to boiling point.
Water molecules are strongly associated through intermolecular hydrogen bonds, requiring large energy to separate them during boiling. Therefore, \( \text{H}_2\text{O} \) has the highest boiling point. \[ \boxed{\text{H}_2\text{O}} \]
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