In which of the following substances will hydrogen bonds be strongest?

In which of the following substances will hydrogen bonds be strongest?
  1. \(\mathrm{HCl}\)
  2. \(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\)
  3. \(\mathrm{HI}\)
  4. \(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{~S}\)

Solution

Ease of H-bonds formation, i.e., strength of hydrogen bonding given by electronegative elements follow the order. \(\mathrm{F} > \mathrm{O} > \mathrm{N} > \mathrm{Cl}\) So, \(\mathrm{HI}\) and \(\mathrm{H}_2\) S cannot make \(\mathrm{H}\)-bonds. In \(\mathrm{HCl}\), \(\mathrm{H}\)-bonding is very weak in nature. Here, only \(\mathrm{H}_2 \mathrm{O}\) will give strongest \(\mathrm{H}\)-bonding.

Asked in: AP EAMCET 2020 (17 Sep Shift 1)

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