Why is H2O a liquid and H2S a gas ?
ue to greater electronegativity of O than S, H2O undergoes extensive intermolecular H-bonding. As a result, H2O exists exists as an associated molecular in which each O is tetrahedrally surrounded by four water molecules. Quite a larger amount of energy is required to break these H-bonds. Therefore, H2O is a liquid at room temperature. In contrast, H2S does not undergo H-bonding. It exists as discrete molecules which are held together by weak van der Waals forces of attraction. To break these forces of attraction, only a small amount of energy is required. Therefore, H2S is a gas at room temperature.
