Learning Objective: To study the types of hydrogen bonds, hydrogen bond strength, and significance with examples.
Skill Level – Intermediate
Prerequisites:
Chapter: Intermolecular Forces
Sub-topic: Hydrogen Bonding
Author's Note: The true potential of hydrogen bonding is exploited when the formative elements are placed correctly to interact. For example, cellulose structures held by weak hydrogen bonds in cotton are weaker when compared to the stiff, regular, and repeating arrangement of the hydrogen bonds in nylon, attributing it with superior qualities. The enzyme catalysis relies on the correct orientation of the Hydrogen bonds to interact and react, with a similar principle extending to drug binding, solubility, or other examples of structural integrity like DNA.
So, this section explains how hydrogen bonding, though weaker than covalent bonding, still finds wide application in our day-to-day lives. We cover the types of hydrogen bonding interactions and show how they lock into positions. They are broadly of two types, which are intermolecular and intramolecular. This knowledge is of utmost importance when dealing with different chemical structures to predict reactivity, physical constants, specificity, and solubility.
Hydrogen Bond Strength, Significance, and Types
Hydrogen Bond is not as strong as a C-H Bond. The strength of the bond represented in Kilo Joules per mole (kJ/mol), can range from 7-165 kJ/mol.
This is only 1/4th the energy required to break up an equivalent C-H covalent bond. But the interesting part of the bond is the way it criss-crosses structures and generates improved properties.
For example, the ordered network arrangement that Hydrogen Bond creates in Nylon over cotton makes it extremely resistant to tear, shrinkage, stains, wrinkles, and gives it exceptional durability.

Aramid fibres that are used in bulletproof clothing, ....
Types of Hydrogen Bonds
If a Hydrogen bonding interaction occurs within the same molecule, it is intramolecular Hydrogen bonding. The H-bonding can result in ...
If the interactions are between two different molecules, it....
