Question

CH4 and HF are both covalently bonded, HF has a much higher boiling point. Explian why?

Answer 1

HF has a higher boiling point than CH4 due to its ability to form strong hydrogen bonds, a result of fluorine's high electronegativity.

Step-by-step explanation:

The higher boiling point of HF compared to CH4 is mainly due to the ability of HF to form hydrogen bonds. Fluorine's high electronegativity pulls the electron density towards itself, creating a strong dipole. Methane, being nonpolar, only has weaker London dispersion forces. These intermolecular forces in HF result in a much higher boiling point than CH4, which relies on the weaker London forces.