Why is the boiling point of water (H2O, 100 deg C) drastically higher than that of hydrogen sulfide (H2S, -60 deg C)?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. Extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding between highly electronegative oxygen and hydrogen atoms
- Step 1: Oxygen is small and strongly electronegative, enabling strong O-H...O hydrogen bonds between water molecules. Step 2. Sulfur is larger and less electronegative, so H2S experiences only weak dipole-dipole forces and London dispersion. Answer: Extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding between highly electronegative oxygen and hydrogen atoms. Why not the others: Hydrogen bonding requires H bonded to N, O, or F; sulfur does not support significant hydrogen bonding.
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