Hydrogen Bond — Chemistry Definition | AllChemicals | AllChemicals

What is Hydrogen Bond?

A hydrogen bond is a weak electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (N, O, or F) and a lone pair on another electronegative atom nearby. Though individually weak (5–30 kJ/mol), hydrogen bonds collectively give water its anomalously high boiling point, surface tension, and ability to dissolve polar substances. They are also critical in stabilising DNA and protein structures.

Key Facts

Term Hydrogen Bond

Index All "H" terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Hydrogen Bond?

A hydrogen bond is a weak electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen atom covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (N, O, or F) and a lone pair on another electronegative atom nearby. Though individually weak (5–30 kJ/mol), hydrogen bonds collectively give water its anomalously high boiling point, surface tension, and ability to dissolve polar substances. They are also critical in stabilising DNA and protein structures.

More "H" Terms

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 Halogenation C-X + Cl₂/Br₂ (hv or AlCl₃) → C-X(halogen); EAS or radical pathway Halogens Hard Acid Hard acid: small, highly charged, low polarisability (e.g., H⁺, Mg²⁺, Al³⁺)

View all "H" terms →