Question

Which Group 16 element combines with hydrogen to form compound that has the strongest hydrogen bonding between its molecules?

Answer 1

Look at the Group 16 hydrides: `OH_2`; `SH_2`; `SeH_2`;

Explanation:

You know the normal boiling point of water. The normal boiling point of hydrogen sulfide is `-60` `""^@C`; that of hydrogen selenide is `-41.2` `""^@C`; that of hydrogen telluride is `-2.2` `""^@C`. What do these boiling points suggest with respect to the extent of intermolecular hydrogen bonding? This is reinforced by the fact that as the central atom of the molecule gets larger, the boiling point should increase on the basis of stronger dispersion forces.