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.
Solution
The boiling points of NH3, H2O and HF are expected to be lower than those of the subsequent group member hydrides on the basis of molecular masses. But boiling points of NH3, H2O and HF will be higher than the hydrides of their subsequent group members. This is because of higher electronegativity of N, O and F. As a result, these exhibit hydrogen bonding in their hydrides.
