Can elements replace Hydrogen in polar molecules & act similarly?

In summary, in 9th grade ADV Biology, we learned about the unequal distribution of electrons in a water molecule due to the greater electronegativity of oxygen compared to hydrogen. This results in weak hydrogen bonds with other polar molecules, giving water its unique characteristics. However, the question was raised about whether other atoms with similar electronegativity, such as Astitane, Osmium, Arsenic, or Phosphorus, would behave similarly in polar covalent bonds with oxygen and participate in H-bonding. The answer is no, as these atoms are larger and cannot come as close to the effective charge as hydrogen can. They may form polar covalent bonds but will not participate in hydrogen bonding with other
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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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FAQ: Can elements replace Hydrogen in polar molecules & act similarly?

1. Can other elements replace Hydrogen in polar molecules?

Yes, other elements can replace Hydrogen in polar molecules. In fact, many polar molecules contain elements other than Hydrogen, such as Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Carbon.

2. Will the replacement of Hydrogen affect the polarity of the molecule?

Yes, the replacement of Hydrogen can affect the polarity of the molecule. Different elements have different electronegativities, which can alter the distribution of electrons in the molecule and therefore affect its overall polarity.

3. Can the replacement of Hydrogen in polar molecules change their chemical properties?

Yes, the replacement of Hydrogen can change the chemical properties of polar molecules. Each element has its own unique chemical properties, so replacing Hydrogen with a different element can alter the molecule's reactivity and behavior in chemical reactions.

4. Are there any limitations to which elements can replace Hydrogen in polar molecules?

Yes, there are limitations to which elements can replace Hydrogen in polar molecules. The element must have a similar size and electronegativity to Hydrogen in order to maintain the molecule's structure and function.

5. Can elements other than Hydrogen still form polar bonds in a molecule?

Yes, elements other than Hydrogen can still form polar bonds in a molecule. Polar bonds are formed when there is a difference in electronegativity between two atoms, so as long as this difference exists, a polar bond can be formed regardless of the elements involved.

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