“Noncovalent Interaction”: A Chemical Misnomer That Inhibits Proper Understanding of Hydrogen Bonding, Rotation Barriers, and Other Topics

Key Questions

1. What is hydrogen bonding?

Hydrogen bonding is a type of chemical interaction that involves a hydrogen atom bonded to a highly electronegative atom such as nitrogen, oxygen, or fluorine. The review argues that hydrogen bonding should be understood as an aspect of orbital-level covalency rather than a distinct "noncovalent" interaction.

2. How do chemical bonds work?

The review emphasizes that all chemical bonding phenomena, including those often labeled as "noncovalent," are governed by the same orbital-level conceptions of electronic covalency and resonance. It argues for a unified understanding of bonding based on quantum mechanical principles.

3. What are intermolecular forces?

Intermolecular forces are interactions between molecules. The review suggests that many of these forces, traditionally classified as "noncovalent," should be reconsidered as aspects of covalent bonding at the orbital level.

4. What is the difference between covalent and noncovalent bonds?

The review challenges the traditional dichotomy between covalent and noncovalent bonds. It argues that phenomena often labeled as "noncovalent" are actually manifestations of the same orbital-level covalency principles that govern all chemical bonding.

5. How should chemistry be taught?

The review advocates for a unified approach to teaching chemical bonding, avoiding the artificial separation of "covalent" and "noncovalent" interactions. It suggests that this would provide a more accurate and comprehensive understanding of chemical phenomena.

Summary Video Not Available