The boiling point of a compound depends on its molecular weight and the attraction between molecules. The data in the table show that water has a relatively high boiling point.
Compound |
Molecular Weight |
Boiling Point,°C |
CH4 |
16 |
-161 |
H2O |
18 |
+100 |
H2S |
34 |
-60 |
The high boiling point of water is due to an attraction between hydrogens in one molecule and the oxygen in another. This attraction is called a hydrogen bond.