Boiling point comparison between of H2S, H2Se, H2Te

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.

Donchacka

Full Member
7+ Year Member
Joined
Dec 25, 2015
Messages
21
Reaction score
24
So the actual trend here is H2S<H2Se<H2Te. What I dont understant is that H2S has the strongest dipole dipole interaction and since dipole-dipole interaction is stronger than dispersion force, H2S really should have higher boiling point than H2Se but why is it the opposite?

Members don't see this ad.
 
So the actual trend here is H2S<H2Se<H2Te. What I dont understant is that H2S has the strongest dipole dipole interaction and since dipole-dipole interaction is stronger than dispersion force, H2S really should have higher boiling point than H2Se but why is it the opposite?

Forget about the intramolecular forces so much. I would give more attention the different molecular weights... as they are significant... there is almost a 100% increase as you go from H2S<H2Se<H2Te.
The heavier the molecule, the higher the boiling point.

You are not wrong for looking at the intramolecular forces, but look at the weights first. Hope this helps.
 
Since S, Se, Te are in the same group of the periodic table - so they have the same type of forces/bonding. In this case, look at the molecular weight.
HTe has the highest molecular weight and thus it has the highest boiling point.
 
Top