Among the hydrides of group 16, water shows unusual properties. Why?
Answer»
Oxygen being more electronegative, the O-H bond is more polar and there arises association of H2O molecules through intermolecular hydrogen bonding.
The other hydrides of group 16 do not form H bonds and hence exist as discrete molecules.
As a result, water shows unusual properties like high B.P, high thermal stability and weaker acidic character as compared to the other hydrides of group 16.