O··H ··· N (N−H···N, O−H···O, O−H···N, N−H···O bonds)
AllChemicals — The Online Chemical Glossary | https://allchemicals.info/chemical/488-hydrogen-bond
Quick Reference
Formula / Notation
O··H ··· N (N−H···N, O−H···O, O−H···N, N−H···O bonds)
Also Known As
H-bond, Proton bridge, Intermolecular hydrogen bond
What is Hydrogen Bond?
A relatively strong intermolecular or intramolecular force between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (N, O, or F) and another electronegative atom. Hydrogen bonds are responsible for the unique properties of water, the structure of DNA, and protein folding.
Formula & Notation
O··H ··· N (N−H···N, O−H···O, O−H···N, N−H···O bonds)
Other Names / Synonyms: H-bond, Proton bridge, Intermolecular hydrogen bond
Properties & Characteristics
Strength: 5–30 kJ/mol (stronger than van der Waals, weaker than covalent). Requires H bonded to N, O, or F (highly electronegative). Donor: N−H, O−H, F−H. Acceptor: lone pair on N, O, or F. Length: 1.5–3.5 Å. Properties imparted to water: unusually high bp (100°C vs −60°C expected for H₂S analog), high specific heat, surface tension, density anomaly (ice less dense than water). Intramolecular H-bonds affect conformation.
Uses & Applications
Explains unique properties of water as universal solvent. DNA double helix stability (A-T: 2 H-bonds, G-C: 3 H-bonds) — enables replication and transcription. Protein secondary structure: alpha helices and beta sheets. Cellulose and starch properties. Drug-receptor interactions in pharmacology. Solubility of alcohols, amines, and carboxylic acids in water. Paper strength (H-bonds between cellulose fibers).
Safety Information
Hydrogen bonding increases the boiling points and persistence of organic compounds. Hydrogen fluoride (HF) forms strong H-bonds, contributing to its high toxicity and corrosiveness. Understanding H-bonding helps predict the solubility, volatility, and biological uptake of chemicals.
Always consult the SDS/MSDS before handling any chemical. This information is for educational purposes only.
Key Facts
TermHydrogen Bond
FormulaO··H ··· N (N−H···N, O−H···O, O−H···N, N−H···O bonds)
SynonymsH-bond, Proton bridge, Intermolecular hydrogen bond
Frequently Asked Questions
A relatively strong intermolecular or intramolecular force between a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom (N, O, or F) and another electronegative atom. Hydrogen bonds are responsible for the unique properties of water, the structure of DNA, and protein folding.
Explains unique properties of water as universal solvent. DNA double helix stability (A-T: 2 H-bonds, G-C: 3 H-bonds) — enables replication and transcription. Protein secondary structure: alpha helices and beta sheets. Cellulose and starch properties. Drug-receptor interactions in pharmacology. Solu…
Hydrogen bonding increases the boiling points and persistence of organic compounds. Hydrogen fluoride (HF) forms strong H-bonds, contributing to its high toxicity and corrosiveness. Understanding H-bonding helps predict the solubility, volatility, and biological uptake of chemicals.
The formula or notation for Hydrogen Bond is: O··H ··· N (N−H···N, O−H···O, O−H···N, N−H···O bonds)
