Hydrogen bonding is responsible for all of the following EXCEPT
- A. the high boiling point of ammonia compared with phosphine
- B. the solubility of ethanol in water
- C. the low density of ice compared with water
- D. the electrical conductivity of molten sodium chloride
Explanation
Molten sodium chloride conducts because it is an ionic compound whose ions become mobile when the lattice melts, and there is no hydrogen in the compound at all. The other three are classic consequences of hydrogen bonding: raised boiling points, mutual solubility with water and the open lattice of ice. Recognising when a substance simply cannot hydrogen bond is the quickest route to the answer.