Definition

Hydrogen bonding is a special type of dipole-dipole interaction/electrostatic force that occurs between polarized molecules. In this case, the interaction takes place between an atom with a partial negative charge and a hydrogen atom that has a partial positive charge.

Explanation

The electromagnetic attraction that takes place between polar molecules. It is exhibited by molecules with hydrogen atoms bonded to electronegative atoms such as O, N, and F (and to a much lesser extent Cl and S). The hydrogen bond is an unusually strong intermolecular interaction mainly because of the large bond dipoles and short dipole-dipole distances. The process does not require that sharing of electrons, but rather is an attraction between positive and negative poles.

We indicate the hydrogen bond using a dotted line between the hydrogen atom attached to O, N, or F (also called the hydrogen bond donor) and the atom that has a lone pair of electrons (also called hydrogen bond acceptor).

Examples –

Structural reaction scheme for Hydrogen Bonding, diagram 1 of 3
Figure 1. Hydrogen Bonding
Structural reaction scheme for Hydrogen Bonding, diagram 2 of 3
Figure 2. Hydrogen Bonding
Structural reaction scheme for Hydrogen Bonding, diagram 3 of 3
Figure 3. Hydrogen Bonding