Question

Which of the following chemicals substance has the strongest hydrogen bond?

• A. $\mathrm{HCl}$
• B. ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$
• C. $\mathrm{HI}$
• D. ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{S}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B

${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

Explanation for correct option:

(B)${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$

Hydrogen bonding in water:

• In water molecules, the electrostatic attraction that takes place between the partial positive charge$\left(\mathrm{\delta }+\right)$ of Hydrogen atoms and the partial negative charge $\left(\mathrm{\delta }-\right)$ on Oxygen atoms is known as Hydrogen bonding.
• The hydrogen bonding that is present in water molecules is intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
• Hydrogen bonding in water is shown below:

Explanation for incorrect options:

The strongest hydrogen bond is formed by a Hydrogen atom when bonded to an atom having a small size and a larger electronegativity.

Oxygen $\left(\mathrm{O}\right)$ is smaller in size and the highest in electronegativity than elements such as $\mathrm{Cl},\mathrm{I}\mathrm{and}\mathrm{S}$. Thus, options A, C, and D.

Hence, the correct option is B i.e. ${\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}$.