Can elements replace Hydrogen in polar molecules & act similarly?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the role of Hydrogen in polar molecules, specifically in water, and the implications of replacing Hydrogen with other elements like Astitane, Osmium, Arsenic, or Phosphorus. It is established that the unequal electronegativity between Oxygen and Hydrogen leads to the formation of weak hydrogen bonds, which are crucial for water's unique properties. The inquiry raises questions about whether elements with similar electronegativity could replicate Hydrogen's bonding behavior in polar covalent bonds, particularly in terms of hydrogen bonding and the potential for At-or P-Bonding.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electronegativity and its role in chemical bonding
  • Knowledge of polar covalent bonds and hydrogen bonding
  • Familiarity with molecular structure and properties of water
  • Basic concepts of atomic size and effective charge
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of Astitane and its potential as a Hydrogen substitute
  • Study the electronegativity values of Osmium, Arsenic, and Phosphorus
  • Explore the concept of At-or P-Bonding in detail
  • Investigate the effects of atomic size on bonding characteristics in polar molecules
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for high school biology students, chemistry enthusiasts, and educators interested in the intricacies of molecular bonding and the unique properties of water.

joebro8659
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Today in 9th grade ADV Biology, we learned about how the two Hydrogen atoms in a Water molecule are relatively positive compared to the Oxygen atom. This is because the Oxygen's pull on Hydrogen's electron is greater than the Hydrogen's, or that its Electronegativity is greater. This unequal distribution in electrons is why Hydrogen is positive compared to Oxygen. Thus, they form very weak bonds, in which there is no exchange of electrons, with the negative pole of other polar molecules. This is purely the result of electrostatic attraction. This is the cause for the unusual characteristics of water, and its phases, and why things are adhesive & cohesive, as well as why our DNA is held together but split apart easily etc. I truly understand all this.

But I asked a question my teacher couldn't answer, if all this is the result of H-Bonding, and that is the result of the electronegativity of Hydrogen, than what about atoms with similar electronegativity? What if Astitane (If it wasn't radioactive) Osmium Arsenic or Phosphorus replaced the Hydrogen atoms? Would they behave similarly in a polar covalent bond with Oxygen or other atoms, as hydrogen? WOuld they partake in At-or P-Bonding for example? I'm really curios.
 
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Hydrogen is very small, so other atoms can come close to the effective charge. That is different for all other atoms.
They form polar covalent bonds in molecules, but they don't give the same hydrogen bonds to other molecules.
 
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