Answer to Question #295119 in General Chemistry for abby

Question

Suppose you have water (H2O) where the hydrogen atoms are primarily hydrogen-1

isotopes. You will use this water as a solvent and as a source of H-bonds. What do

you think is the effect in the experiment when all hydrogen atoms are replaced with

deuterium (hydrogen-2)?

Answer 1

The nucleus of Deuterium contains one proton and one neutron whereas protium has no neutrons in the nucleus.

Chemically,deuterium behave similary to ordinary hydrogen (protium) but there are differences in bond energy.

Bonds involving deuterium are stronger than the corresponding bonds of protium.

But H₂ O is a more effective solvent as compared to heavy water D₂ O