The inquiry concerns the identification of molecules capable of hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonding necessitates a hydrogen atom directly bonded to a highly electronegative element: nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), or fluorine (F). Analysis of each molecule is as follows:
- CH3OH (Methanol): Possesses an OH group. The hydrogen atom is bonded to oxygen, facilitating hydrogen bond formation.
- H2O (Water): Features two OH bonds, enabling hydrogen bond formation.
- C2H6 (Ethane): Lacks a hydrogen atom bonded to N, O, or F; consequently, it cannot form hydrogen bonds.
- C6H5NO2 (Nitrophenol): Contains an OH group. The hydrogen atom is bonded to oxygen, permitting hydrogen bonding.
- HF (Hydrogen Fluoride): The hydrogen atom is bonded to fluorine, rendering it capable of forming hydrogen bonds.
- NH3 (Ammonia): Contains nitrogen bonded to hydrogen, which enables hydrogen bonding.
Enumerating the molecules that can exhibit hydrogen bonding yields: CH3OH, H2O, C6H5NO2, HF, and NH3.
Therefore, the total count of molecules capable of hydrogen bonding is 5, aligning with the specified range of [5,5].