hydrogen bonding theory

Hydrogen bonding occurs when a hydrogen atom that's attached to a highly electronegative atom (like oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine) in one molecule is attracted to a nearby electronegative atom in another molecule. This creates a weak but significant attraction between molecules, influencing properties like boiling points and solubility. Think of it as a gentle, directional stickiness that helps molecules stay together or interact in specific ways, playing a key role in water’s behavior and many biological processes.