Which substance has the highest boiling point?

In summary, the boiling point of a substance depends on the type and strength of its intermolecular forces and bonds. In the case of H20, the strongest intermolecular force is hydrogen bonding due to oxygen's higher electronegativity. This results in a higher boiling point compared to substances like NH3 which also have hydrogen bonding but with a lower electronegative atom (nitrogen). Ultimately, the electronegativity of the atoms involved determines the strength of the intermolecular forces and thus the boiling point.
  • #1
tica86
79
0
Of the following substances which has the highest boiling point?

H20, CO2, CH4, Kr, NH3

I already know the answer is H20 but I would've initially chosen NH3 because of the nitrogen bond to hydrogen but that's obviously wrong. Is it H20 because oxygen is more electronegative then nitrogen??
 
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  • #2
What does boiling point depend on?
 
  • #3
intermolecular bonds
 
  • #4
More like forces (van der Waals forces are not classified as bonds). OK, what kinds of intermolecular forces & bonds will be at work in each molecule? Which of these are the strongest?
 
  • #5
The hydrogen bonding between molecules in this case is the strongest.
Oxygen being more electronegative than nitrogen will form stronger hydrogen bonds.
Also water there are 2 lone pairs of electrons whereas the nitrogen in NH3 has only 1 lone pair of electrons.But ,correct me if I am wrong , in water, there are 4 possible hydrogen bonds (2 from oxygen and 2 from hydrogen) and in ammonia there are also 4 possible hydrogen bonds (1 from nitrogen and 3 from hydrogen).
So the only difference is then the electronegativity of oxygen which determines the boiling point?
 

Related to Which substance has the highest boiling point?

1. What is the highest boiling point of H20?

The highest boiling point of H20, also known as water, is 100 degrees Celsius or 212 degrees Fahrenheit.

2. What factors affect the boiling point of H20?

The boiling point of H20 can be affected by factors such as altitude, atmospheric pressure, and the presence of impurities or other substances dissolved in the water.

3. How does the boiling point of H20 compare to other substances?

The boiling point of H20 is relatively high compared to other substances due to its strong hydrogen bonds, which require a lot of energy to break and cause the water molecules to vaporize.

4. Can the boiling point of H20 be increased above 100 degrees Celsius?

Yes, the boiling point of H20 can be increased above 100 degrees Celsius by increasing the atmospheric pressure, as seen in pressure cookers. However, the water will still vaporize and turn into steam at this higher temperature.

5. Why is the boiling point of H20 important?

The boiling point of H20 is important for many reasons, including cooking and food preparation, industrial processes, and the water cycle in nature. It also plays a crucial role in regulating the Earth's temperature through the process of evaporation and condensation.

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