Problem 14 - Chemistry An Atoms First Approach

Question

Hydrogen bonding is a special case of very strong dipoledipole interactions possible among only certain atoms. What atoms in addition to hydrogen are necessary for hydrogen bonding? How does the small size of the hydrogen atom contribute to the unusual strength of the dipole-dipole forces involved in hydrogen bonding?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

Hydrogen bonding occurs with nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), or fluorine (F), which have high electronegativity and create strong dipole-dipole interactions. The small size of the hydrogen atom contributes to the unusual strength of hydrogen bonding by having a high positive charge density, allowing for close proximity to the electronegative atom, and being directional due to the arrangement of electron orbitals in the electronegative atoms.

Step 1: Identify the atoms necessary for hydrogen bonding

Hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom like nitrogen (N), oxygen (O), or fluorine (F). These elements have high electronegativity, which means they tend to attract the electrons in a bond towards themselves. This creates a partial negative charge around these atoms and leaves the hydrogen atom with a partial positive charge, creating a strong dipole-dipole interaction.

Step 2: Understand the importance of hydrogen's small size

The hydrogen atom is the smallest among all elements in the periodic table, with only one proton and one electron. Its small size leads to several factors that contribute to the unusual strength of dipole-dipole forces involved in hydrogen bonding: 1. High charge density: Due to its small size and the proximity of its nucleus to the electronegative atom, the hydrogen atom has a high positive charge density. This creates a strong electrostatic attraction between the partially negative electronegative atom and the partially positive hydrogen atom. 2. Close proximity: The small size of the hydrogen atom also allows it to be much closer to the electronegative atom than larger atoms would be able to. This close proximity further strengthens the electrostatic attraction between the two atoms. 3. Directionality: Hydrogen bonds are very directional, primarily due to the small size of the hydrogen atom and the arrangement of the electron orbitals in the electronegative atoms. The strong electrostatic interactions can only occur when the hydrogen atom is in line with the lone pair of electrons on the electronegative atom. This directionality of hydrogen bonds leads to the formation of specific and well-defined structures in substances that exhibit hydrogen bonding. In summary, the atoms necessary for hydrogen bonding are nitrogen, oxygen, and fluorine. The small size of the hydrogen atom contributes to the unusual strength of the dipole-dipole forces involved in hydrogen bonding by having a high charge density, allowing for close proximity to the electronegative atom, and being directional in nature.