Which is the most polar bond: a. #H-F#; b. #H-CH_3#; c. #H-NH_2#; d. #H-OH#?

1 Answer
Sep 23, 2017

We try to assess the polarity of an #X-H# bond. I think (without looking at data) that the answer is #(A)#

Explanation:

But how to assess the polarity of #""^(-delta)X-H^(delta+)#. The most convenient means would be to look up the Pauling electronegativities, which measure the ability of an atom in a chemical bond to polarize electron density towards itself. We know that electronegativity INCREASES across a Period (from left to right as we face the Periodic Table), and DECREASES down a Group. And so #A# qualifies on this basis.

As background we can quote the Pauling electronegativities (of course these will not be available to you in an exam):

#H(2.1);C(2.2);N(3.0);O(3.5)#

And #Delta_"electronegativity"# is greatest for #(A)#. And of these bonds only #N-H#, and #O-H# are polar.