Question

Hydrides are compounds made up of hydrogen and metal. Why ammonia has the highest boiling point among the hydrides of elements in Group 15? 

Select one:

a. The bonds in ammonia are polar

b. The size of the nitrogen atom is the smallest

c. The ammonia molecules is the smallest among the hydrides of the elements in Group 15
 

d. Hydrogen atoms bonded to the nitrogen atom can form hydrogen bonds

Answer 1

The correct option is D.
The hydrogen atoms that are attached to the nitrogen atom in the ammonia molecule are capable of forming hydrogen bond. The hydrogen bond that exist in the ammonia molecule is the reason why it shows higher boiling point compare to the other hydrides. Hydrogen bond occur in ammonia because ammonia is one of the most electronegative elements.