Question

Which among the following compounds does NOT form intermolecular hydrogen bonding?

• A. Ethoxyethane
• B. Butane
• C. Phenol
• D. Butan-1-ol

Hint:

For a molecule to H-bond with ITSELF, it must act as both an H-bond donor (needs an O-H, N-H, or F-H bond) AND an H-bond acceptor (needs O, N, F lone pairs). Ethers have lone pairs but lack the donor O-H bond!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Intermolecular hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to highly electronegative atoms (F, O, or N).

Step 2: Formula Application:
1. Phenol and Butan-1-ol: Have $-OH$ groups (Strong H-bonding). 2. Ethoxyethane (Ether): Has Oxygen but no $H$ attached to it (Very weak dipole interactions). 3. Butane: Non-polar hydrocarbon.

Step 3: Explanation:
Butane ($C_4H_{10}$) consists only of $C-C$ and $C-H$ bonds. Since Carbon and Hydrogen have similar electronegativities, there is no significant polarity to form hydrogen bonds. While Ethers (a) also don't form H-bonds with themselves, hydrocarbons like Butane are the most distinct example of lacking these forces entirely.

Step 4: Final Answer:
Butane does not form intermolecular hydrogen bonding.