Which of the following compound has the highest boiling point

Options

A. HCl
B. HBr
C. `H_(2)SO_(4)`
D. `HNO_(3)`

Answer

To determine which of the given compounds has the highest boiling point, we need to analyze the presence of hydrogen bonding in each compound. Hydrogen bonding significantly affects boiling points, and compounds that can form hydrogen bonds typically have higher boiling points.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compounds**:
Let's assume the compounds in question are HCl, HBr, H2O, and HNO3.

2. **Analyze Hydrogen Bonding**:
- **HCl**: Hydrogen chloride does not exhibit hydrogen bonding as chlorine is not electronegative enough to form strong hydrogen bonds with hydrogen.
- **HBr**: Similar to HCl, hydrogen bromide also does not form hydrogen bonds due to the low electronegativity of bromine.
- **H2O**: Water is a classic example of a compound that exhibits strong hydrogen bonding because oxygen is highly electronegative. Each water molecule can form up to four hydrogen bonds with neighboring water molecules.
- **HNO3**: Nitric acid can also form hydrogen bonds due to the presence of nitrogen and oxygen. However, the hydrogen bonding in HNO3 is not as extensive as in H2O.

3. **Compare the Strength of Hydrogen Bonds**:
- H2O has a very strong hydrogen bonding network due to its ability to form multiple hydrogen bonds.
- HNO3 can form hydrogen bonds, but the extent and strength are less than that of water.
- HCl and HBr do not participate in hydrogen bonding.

4. **Conclusion**:
Since H2O has the strongest hydrogen bonding among the compounds listed, it will have the highest boiling point. However, if H2SO4 is also in the list, it should be analyzed as well. H2SO4 can form extensive hydrogen bonds due to its structure, which may lead to a higher boiling point than water.

5. **Final Answer**:
If H2SO4 is included in the options, it has the highest boiling point due to strong hydrogen bonding. If not, then H2O has the highest boiling point among the given compounds.