Question

In which of the following substances is significant hydrogen bonding possible: dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂), phosphine (PH₃), hydrogen peroxide (HOOH), or acetone (CH₃COCH₃)?

A) Dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂)
B) Phosphine (PH₃)
C) Hydrogen peroxide (HOOH)
D) Acetone (CH₃COCH₃)

Answer 1

Hydrogen bonding is possible in hydrogen peroxide and acetone, but not in dichloromethane and phosphine.

Step-by-step explanation:

Hydrogen bonding is possible in hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) and acetone (CH₃COCH₃). These two substances have hydrogen atoms bonded to highly electronegative atoms (oxygen in hydrogen peroxide and oxygen in acetone), which allows for the formation of hydrogen bonds. Dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂) and phosphine (PH₃) do not have the necessary hydrogen atoms bonded to electronegative atoms for significant hydrogen bonding to occur.