Question

Increasing strength of H-bonding $(X---H-X)$ in $S,O,F,Cl,N$ is:

• A. $Cl<S<N<O<F$
• B. $N<Cl<S<O<F$
• C. $S<Cl<N<O<F$
• D. $S<N<Cl<O<F$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $S<Cl<N<O<F$

A hydrogen bond is the electrostatic attraction between polar groups that occurs when a hydrogen $\left(H\right)$ atom bound to a highly electronegative atom such as nitrogen $\left(N\right)$, oxygen $\left(O\right)$ or fluorine $\left(F\right)$ experiences attraction to some other nearby highly electronegative atom. Strength of hydrogen bond formed will depend on the electronegativity difference between the atom and $H$ and size of the atom. Hence,$S<Cl<N<O<F$.