Question

Is CH₃−CH₃ a hydrogen bond?

Answer 1

Hydrogen Bond: The intermolecular force between the compound and the Hydrogen bond formed between a Hydrogen atom and higher electronegativity atoms is called a Hydrogen bond.

• Atoms with high electronegativity are placed on the right side of the periodic table.
• The strength of hydrogen bonds is very high.
• Hydrogen bonds form only between hydrogen and the three most electronegative elements, i.e. Fluorine, Oxygen and Nitrogen.
• The Hydrogen bonds can exist only in these compounds with large electronegativity difference.

CH₃−CH₃ is an organic compound whose name is Ethane.

• The electronegativity of the of Carbon and Hydrogen atoms are almost equal.
• Due to equal electronegativity, the Hydrogen Bond is not formed in CH₃−CH₃.
• There is a London dispersion force between the Ethanes due to the transient dipoles produced in the compound.
• The dipole moment in these compounds is very short and to a lesser extent.
• The Hydrogen bond is a much more powerful force than the London dispersion force.

Hence, CH₃−CH₃ is not a Hydrogen bond. This is because carbon and hydrogen have similar electronegativities.