hydrogen bond
C1Technical/Scientific
Definition
Meaning
A relatively weak electrostatic attraction between a hydrogen atom (covalently bonded to a strongly electronegative atom like oxygen or nitrogen) and another electronegative atom with a lone pair of electrons.
A specific type of intermolecular or intramolecular interaction that is crucial for the structure and properties of many substances, most famously water and biological molecules like DNA and proteins.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a chemical/physical concept. It is a compound noun treated as a singular, countable entity. Refers to both the general phenomenon and individual instances.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or usage differences.
Connotations
Identical scientific meaning in both varieties.
Frequency
Used with identical frequency in academic/technical contexts in both UK and US English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
X forms a hydrogen bond with Y.A hydrogen bond is established/broken between X and Y.The molecule is stabilised by hydrogen bonds.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Core concept in chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology, and materials science.
Everyday
Rare, except in simplified explanations of water's properties or DNA structure.
Technical
Essential and precise term used constantly in research papers and technical discussions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The two molecules can hydrogen-bond to stabilise the structure.
- The amine group hydrogen-bonds with the carbonyl oxygen.
American English
- The water molecules hydrogen-bond into a tetrahedral network.
- These groups are positioned to hydrogen-bond effectively.
adjective
British English
- The hydrogen-bonded network is essential for the crystal's stability.
- They studied the hydrogen-bonding pattern in detail.
American English
- The hydrogen-bonded complex was characterised by NMR.
- We observed significant hydrogen-bonding interactions.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Water is special because of hydrogen bonds.
- Hydrogen bonds make water boil at a high temperature.
- DNA's double helix is held together by hydrogen bonds.
- The unusual properties of water are largely due to extensive hydrogen bonding between its molecules.
- A hydrogen bond forms when a hydrogen atom attached to an electronegative atom is attracted to another electronegative atom.
- The peptide's secondary structure is stabilised by an intricate network of intramolecular hydrogen bonds.
- Spectroscopic analysis revealed a bifurcated hydrogen bond between the donor and two acceptor atoms.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of water molecules holding hands: the hydrogen (H) of one is attracted to the oxygen (O) of another, like a magnet. This weak 'handshake' is the hydrogen bond.
Conceptual Metaphor
A temporary bridge, a weak handshake, molecular velcro.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'chemical bond' (химическая связь). 'Hydrogen bond' is a specific subset (водородная связь).
- Avoid literal translation where 'bond' means financial obligation or shackle.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hydrogen bond' to refer to the covalent bond *within* a water molecule (O-H). It refers to the bond *between* molecules.
- Treating it as a strong, permanent bond like a covalent bond.
- Misspelling as 'hydogen bond'.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the strength of a typical hydrogen bond compared to a covalent bond?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is an intermolecular force or a non-covalent interaction, not a 'true' intramolecular chemical bond like covalent or ionic bonds. However, it is crucial for structure and function in chemistry and biology.
The hydrogen must be covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom (the donor), most commonly nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), or fluorine (F). The acceptor is another electronegative atom with a lone pair of electrons (O, N, F).
It determines the structure of proteins and DNA, the properties of water (the solvent of life), and facilitates specific molecular recognition, such as between enzymes and substrates.
Yes, these are called intramolecular hydrogen bonds and are important in determining the shape of large molecules like proteins and nucleic acids.