Hydrogen bond is a type of attractive intermolecular force that occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom like nitrogen, oxygen or fluorine. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /ˈhaɪdrədʒən bɒnd/. The first syllable "hy-" is pronounced like "high" and "drogen" is pronounced as "druh-jen". The stress is on the first syllable /ˈhaɪd/, and the second syllable is pronounced with a British English accent as /ˈbɒnd/. The spelling of hydrogen bond reflects its chemical composition and important role in biological processes.
A hydrogen bond refers to a relatively weak chemical bond that forms between a hydrogen atom and a more electronegative atom, usually oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine, in a different molecule or within the same molecule. It is an interaction that occurs due to the attraction between the positively charged hydrogen atom and the partially negatively charged atom (due to its high electronegativity).
Hydrogen bonds are special because they are responsible for many important biological and chemical phenomena. For example, hydrogen bonding between water molecules accounts for the unique properties of water, such as its high boiling point, surface tension, and ability to dissolve many substances. Additionally, hydrogen bonds are crucial for the structure and stability of proteins, DNA, and RNA, as they contribute to the folding and interaction of these biomolecules.
The strength of a typical hydrogen bond is about 5% to 10% that of a covalent bond. However, collectively, hydrogen bonds can have a significant impact on the overall structure and properties of substances. They are often depicted as dotted lines in chemical structures, representing the attraction between the hydrogen atom and the electronegative atom. Moreover, hydrogen bonding can influence the physical and chemical properties of molecules, affecting their boiling and melting points, solubility, and even biochemical reactions.
In summary, a hydrogen bond is a weak, yet important, interaction that occurs between a hydrogen atom and a highly electronegative atom, contributing to the unique properties of substances and playing a crucial role in biological processes.
The word "hydrogen bond" originated from the combination of two terms: "hydrogen" and "bond".
The term "hydrogen" is derived from the Greek word "hydor" meaning "water" and "genes" meaning "born" or "created". Hydrogen is the lightest and most abundant element in the universe and is often associated with water due to its presence in water molecules.
The term "bond" comes from the Old English word "bindan" meaning "to bind or join". In the context of chemistry, a bond refers to the force of attraction that holds atoms or molecules together.
Therefore, "hydrogen bond" refers to a specific type of attraction or bond formed between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom, typically oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine.