MadSci Network: Chemistry |
The above question is an extract from the 1998 Irish leaving Cert exam. The information given is as follows: Hydrogen combines with oxygen, sulphur and selenium to form water, hydrogen sulphide and hydrogen selenide respectively. The boiling points of this three hydrides are 373 k for water, 212.3 k for hydrogen sulphide and 231.3 k for hydrogen selenide. Explain both the large decrease in boiling point from water to hydrogen sulphide and the increase in boiling point from hydrogen sulphide to hydrogen selenide. While I understand the first part of the question, I'm unsure as to why hydrogen selenide has a higher boiling point that hydrogen sulphide. As I thought that the lower the ionisation energy the lower the boiling point. Has it got something to do with s, p, etc. configuration? I would appreciate it if you could help me with this question. Thanking you in advance. Michelle
Re: Why is there an increase in boiling point from H sulphide to H selenide?
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