💧Hydrogen bond vs Dipole-dipole🧲
Both are intermolecular attractions between polar molecules, but hydrogen bonding is a stronger special case. It explains water's unusual properties.
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💧Hydrogen bond
- ✓Strongest intermolecular attraction (non-ionic)
- ✓Requires H bonded to N, O or F
- ✓Raises boiling points dramatically
- ✓Explains water's high boiling point and ice density
- ✓Examples: water, DNA base pairing, NH3
🧲Dipole-dipole
- ✓Weaker than hydrogen bonding
- ✓Occurs between any polar molecules
- ✓Aligns partial positive and negative ends
- ✓Moderately raises boiling points
- ✓Examples: HCl, acetone, SO2
Verdict
Hydrogen bonding is just a powerful subtype of dipole-dipole interaction restricted to N-H, O-H and F-H. Both pull polar molecules together, but hydrogen bonds win on strength.
Frequently asked
Is a hydrogen bond a real chemical bond?+
No. It is a strong intermolecular force, weaker than covalent or ionic bonds within molecules.
Why does water float as ice?+
Hydrogen bonds lock water molecules into an open hexagonal lattice that is less dense than liquid water.
Which is stronger?+
Hydrogen bonds are stronger because of the highly concentrated charge on small N, O and F atoms.
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