Question

Which one of the following molecules will form a linear polymeric structure due to the $H - $bonding $?$
A) $HCl$
B) $HF$
C) ${H_2}O$
D) $N{H_3}$

Answer 1

Hint: The linear polymeric structure is formed due to the long continuous chain of the atoms which are primarily attached to the hydrogen in its chain. Hydrogen bonding in a structure gives the polymeric nature to the structure.

Complete step by step answer:
1) Hydrogen bonding can be defined as a special type of bond which is formed due to the dipole-dipole interaction between the molecule to the hydrogen atom.
2) Hydrogen bonding is formed due to the attractive force between a hydrogen atom which is covalently bonded to the most electronegative atom.
3) In option A, the molecule $HCl$ has chlorine as an electronegative atom but it is not the strong electronegative atom. Hence, it does not show the polymeric structure as it will not form hydrogen bonding in the structure.
4) In option C, the molecule ${H_2}O$ shows the hydrogen bonding but due to its molecular structure, it will show a cage-like polymeric structure, and hence it fails to form the linear polymeric structure.
5) In option D, the molecule $N{H_3}$ does show hydrogen bonding but due to the weak interaction between hydrogen and nitrogen atom in the molecule, it does not show a polymeric structure. Hence, the molecule $N{H_3}$ does not lead to the formation of a linear polymeric structure.
6) In option B, the molecule $HF$ shows the hydrogen bonding due to the presence of strong electronegative atom fluorine. Because of strong electronegative atom fluorine, the molecule shows the linear polymeric structure.

Hence, option B is marked as the correct choice.


Note:
To form a linear polymeric structure the molecule must have the presence of hydrogen bonding in it. Only the strong electronegative atoms form the hydrogen bonding in its structure. The molecule should be linear in its structure to form a linear polymeric structure.