Question

Sulfur is the atom below oxygen on the periodic table. Do you hypothesize that a S-H bond or O-H bond is a better hydrogen bond donor?

Options:
a) S-H bond
b) O-H bond
c) Both are equally good
d) Neither is a good hydrogen bond donor

Answer 1

The O-H bond is a better hydrogen bond donor compared to the S-H bond due to oxygen being more electronegative and having two lone pairs of electrons.

Step-by-step explanation:

When comparing a S-H bond and an O-H bond as hydrogen bond donors, the O-H bond is the better hydrogen bond donor. This is because oxygen is more electronegative than sulfur, meaning it can pull electron density away from the hydrogen atom more effectively, creating a stronger hydrogen bond. Additionally, oxygen has two lone pairs of electrons, compared to sulfur's lone pair. These additional electrons contribute to the strength of the hydrogen bond.