Question

Which one shows maximum hydrogen bonding?

• A. $H_{2}O$
• B. $H_{2}Se$
• C. $H_{2}S$
• D. $HF$

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

$H_{2}O$

$H_{2}O$ show maximum hydrogen bonding because each $H_{2}O$ molecule is linked to four $H_{2}O$ molecules through hydrogen bonds. In each $H_{2}O$ molecule, the oxygen atom has two lone pairs (non-bonding electron pairs), each of which can form a hydrogen bond with a hydrogen atom from another molecule. Within the $H_{2}O$ molecule, the hydrogen atoms can each form a hydrogen bond with an oxygen atom ('s lone pair) from another $H_{2}O$ molecule. Thus 4 hydrogen atoms per water molecule. $HF$ forms the stronger hydrogen bond but it forms fewer!

The other molecules do not exhibit appreciable hydrogen bonding.