Question

Consider the molecules HCl, HBr, HF, and HI. Which would you expect to have the highest boiling point and why

Answer 1

Answer:

C) HF, because it has the strongest intermolecular force  

Explanation:

The electronegativity difference ΔEN between H and F is so high that HF has especially high dipole-dipole forces, which we call hydrogen bonds. They are the strongest intermolecular forces, and they are responsible for the high boiling point of HF.

A) is wrong. HI has a higher mass and more electrons than HBr.

B) is wrong. There is no hydrogen bonding in HCl.

D) is wrong. There are no ion-dipole forces in HI.