Ethylene glycol's hydrogen bonding enables de-icing

Steps:

• Examine ethylene glycol's structure: HOCH₂CH₂OH has two -OH groups capable of hydrogen bonding.
• Hydrogen bonding between solute and solvent disrupts water's lattice, lowering the freezing point.
• Evaluate statement A: -OH groups allow H-bonds within ethylene glycol molecules.
• Confirm A as key to its polarity and solubility, essential for de-icing mixtures.

Why A is correct:

• Ethylene glycol's -OH groups act as both donors and acceptors, forming intermolecular H-bonds per hydrogen bonding definition.

Why the others are wrong:

• B: Ethylene glycol is premixed with water before freezing; it doesn't rely on dissolving post-melt ice water.
• C: While possible, H-bonds with water are secondary; de-icing primarily stems from colligative effects, not direct H-bonding.

Not enough information for D (blank).

Final answer: A