Hydrogen bonding

Science

Definition

A strong type of intermolecular force that occurs when hydrogen is bonded to a highly electronegative atom (F, O, or N) and is attracted to a lone pair on another F, O, or N atom. Hydrogen bonds are responsible for many of water's unique properties.

Examples

  • Water molecules attracting each other, giving water a high boiling point
  • DNA double helix held together by hydrogen bonds between base pairs
  • Proteins maintaining their 3D shape partly through hydrogen bonds
Key Fact

Hydrogen bonds form between H bonded to F, O, or N and a lone pair on another F, O, or N

Related Terms

Water properties Dipole-dipole London dispersion Covalent bonds

Study This Concept

Practice hydrogen bonding with free review games in these units:

AP Chemistry Unit 3: Intermolecular Forces