Hydrogen Bonding

Special polarized, chemical binding that is based on the hydrogen atom’s particular ability to contribute an electron to another compatible atom—for example, oxygen. Hydrogen bonds are ubiquitous in water and are an essential aspect of water’s very distinctive properties with regard to melting and boiling point, specific heat, and so on. Each water molecule can form up to four hydrogen bonds with other water molecules or other types of molecules that can themselves form hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bonds are important for the formation of stable structures in intact proteins and enzymes. The hydrogen bonds in water help to determine the degree of stability of oil and water emulsions.