Question

Would you expect the hydrides of N, O and F to have lower boiling points than the hydrides of their subsequent group members? Give reasons.

Answer 1

On the basis of molecular masses of NH₃,H₂O and HF, their boiling points are expected to be lower than those of the subsequent group member hydrides. However, due to higher electronegativity of N, O and F, the magnitude of hydrogen bonding in their hydrides will be quite appreciable. Therefore, the boiling points of NH₃ H₂O and HF will be higher than the hydrides of their subsequent group members.