Which of the following substances has the highest boiling point?
Show the answer and explanation
Correct answer
B. HF
Principle or equation
Boiling point is influenced by the strength of intermolecular forces. Hydrogen bonding (stronger than dipole-dipole and London dispersion) significantly raises boiling points.
Why this answer is correct
HF can form hydrogen bonds because hydrogen is bonded to highly electronegative fluorine. CH4 and F2 are nonpolar (only London dispersion forces), and HCl has dipole-dipole interactions but no hydrogen bonding (Cl is less electronegative than F). Thus HF has the strongest intermolecular forces and highest boiling point.
Example
Water (H2O) has a higher boiling point than H2S because of hydrogen bonding.
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