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.


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