Hydrogen Bond

Q: What is the formula for Hydrogen Bond?

The formula or notation for Hydrogen Bond is: O··H ··· N (N−H···N, O−H···O, O−H···N, N−H···O bonds)

O··H ··· N (N−H···N, O−H···O, O−H···N, N−H···O bonds)

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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

Term Hydrogen Bond

Formula O··H ··· N (N−H···N, O−H···O, O−H···N, N−H···O bonds)

Index All "H" terms

Synonyms H-bond, Proton bridge, Intermolecular hydrogen bond

Frequently Asked Questions

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More "H" Terms

1-Hexanol C6H14O 2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate C6H10O3 4-Hydroxybenzaldehyde C7H6O2 Haber Process N₂ + 3H₂ ⇌ 2NH₃ | ΔH = −92 kJ/mol Hafnium Hf Half Cell Half Life Half-Cell E = E° − (RT/nF)lnQ Half-Life A(t) = A₀e^(−λt); t½ = ln2/λ Half-Reaction Halide X⁻ (e.g., F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) Halogen F₂, Cl₂, Br₂, I₂, At; Group 17; ns²np⁵ valence configuration

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Editorial standards: Chemical data is sourced from peer-reviewed literature, CAS Registry, NIST WebBook, and PubChem. Safety information reflects guidance from OSHA, ECHA, and IAEA. For educational purposes only — always consult official SDS documentation and qualified professionals before handling chemicals.