Question

The electronegativity of $F,O,N,Cl$ and $H$ are $4.0,3.5,3.0,3.2$ and $2.1$ respectively. The strongest bond between the following will be:

• A. $F-O$
• B. $O-Cl$
• C. $N-H$
• D. $O-H$

Answer 1

The correct option is D $O-H$

More the $EN$ difference between two bonded atoms, stronger will be the chemical bond between them.

In other words, we can say that:

Bond strength $\propto$ $\Delta EN$ between two bonded atoms

Hence, checking the $EN$ difference between the two atoms, We get:

$\left(a\right)F-O=4.0-3.5=0.5$
$\left(b\right)O-Cl=3.5-3.2=0.3$
$\left(c\right)N-H=3.0-2.1=0.9$
$\left(d\right)O-H=3.5-2.1=1.4$

Since, $O-H$ has the highest electronegativity difference, Hence, it will have the strongest bond.