Which substance exhibits the most hydrogen bonding?

Compound B is capable of acting as both a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor, making it the most likely choice for exhibiting significant hydrogen bonding in the liquid state. Compound C, like A, is only capable of acting as a hydrogen bond acceptor. Compounds D and E do not have the necessary elements for hydrogen bonding to occur. Therefore, the correct answer is B, N2H4. In summary, N2H4 is the only compound out of the options given that is capable of acting as both a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor, making it the most likely choice for exhibiting significant hydrogen bonding in the liquid state.
  • #1
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Homework Statement



Which of the following substances exhibits significant hydrogen bonding in the liquid state?

A) [itex] CH_{2}F_{2} [/itex]
B) [itex] N_{2}H_{4} [/itex]
C) [itex] CH_{3}OCH_{3} [/itex]
D) [itex] C_{2}H_{4} [/itex]
E) [itex] C_{2}H_{2}[/itex]

Homework Equations



The Attempt at a Solution



I know that hydrogen bonding generally only works with hydrogen being attracted to a nonbonding pair on a very electronegative atom (N,F,O and Cl). So only A,B, and C can be the answer. The answer turns out to be B, but I really thought it would be A since flourine is the most electronegative.

I also don't understand whether being in the liquid state has any bearing on the problem.

Advice? Thanks for your time!

BiP
 
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  • #2
In a hydrogen bond, you must have a hydrogen bond donor and a hydrogen bond acceptor. The donor requires a hydrogen covalently bound to either a fluorine, nitrogen or oxygen. The hydrogen bond acceptor requires a lone pair on a fluorine, nitrogen or oxygen.

Compound A is capable of acting as a hydrogen bond acceptor, but because the hydrogens are bound to the carbon, it is incapable of acting as a hydrogen bond donor.
 

1. What is hydrogen bonding?

Hydrogen bonding is a type of intermolecular force that occurs between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) and another electronegative atom in a different molecule.

2. Why is hydrogen bonding important?

Hydrogen bonding is important because it affects the physical properties of substances, such as boiling and melting points, and can also influence chemical reactions. It is also crucial for many biological processes, including DNA replication and protein folding.

3. Which substances can exhibit hydrogen bonding?

Substances with highly electronegative atoms, such as water, ammonia, and alcohols, can exhibit hydrogen bonding. However, not all molecules with hydrogen atoms will necessarily exhibit hydrogen bonding.

4. Why does the strength of hydrogen bonding vary among substances?

The strength of hydrogen bonding varies among substances because it depends on the electronegativity of the atoms involved, the distance between the atoms, and the orientation of the molecules. These factors can vary greatly among different substances.

5. Which substance exhibits the most hydrogen bonding?

Water (H2O) exhibits the most hydrogen bonding due to its highly electronegative oxygen atoms and its unique bent molecular structure, which allows for multiple hydrogen bonds to form between neighboring molecules.

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