Which molecule(s) exhibits) hydrogen bonding forces? Check all that apply.

Question

Methane?
Methanol?
Tetraiodomethane?
None of the above?

Answer 1

Hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine, and is attracted to another electronegative atom.

Let's examine the molecules listed:

1. Methane (CH₄): Methane does not exhibit hydrogen bonding. It consists of carbon and hydrogen, and the hydrogen atoms are not bonded to a highly electronegative atom.

2. Methanol (CH₃OH): Methanol does exhibit hydrogen bonding. The -OH (hydroxyl) group contains an electronegative oxygen atom bonded to hydrogen, allowing it to form hydrogen bonds with other methanol molecules or other compounds that can accept a hydrogen bond.

3. Tetraiodomethane (CI₄): Tetraiodomethane does not exhibit hydrogen bonding. While it has several iodine atoms, iodine is not sufficiently electronegative to create hydrogen bonds.

4. None of the above: This option is incorrect because methanol does exhibit hydrogen bonding.

In conclusion, the molecule that exhibits hydrogen bonding in your list is methanol.