Which of the following compounds has the lowest boiling point? — Chemical Bonding Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: HF exhibits abnormally strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding, giving it the highest boiling point among these hydrogen halides. Step 2: For the remaining hydrogen halides (HCl, HBr, HI), the boiling points are governed by London dispersion forces which increase down the group as molecular size/weight increases. Step 3: Thus, HCl has weaker dispersion forces than HBr and HI, giving it the lowest boiling point in the group.