What is the Difference Between Hydrogen Bond and Covalent Bond?

The main difference between a hydrogen bond and a covalent bond lies in the way atoms are connected and the strength of the bond. Here are the key differences:

1. Formation: Covalent bonds are formed by the mutual sharing of electrons between atoms, resulting in a strong chemical bond. Hydrogen bonds, on the other hand, are weak electrostatic attractions between a hydrogen atom in one molecule and an electronegative atom (usually nitrogen or oxygen) in the same or different molecule.
2. Strength: Covalent bonds are strong chemical bonds with a greater bond energy, requiring more energy to break. Hydrogen bonds are weak attractions, but their presence in large numbers can provide considerable strength. In general, covalent bonds are stronger than hydrogen bonds.
3. Intramolecular vs. Intermolecular: Covalent bonds are intramolecular forces, meaning they occur within a single molecule. Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces, meaning they occur between different molecules.
4. Electron Sharing: In a covalent bond, electrons are shared between two atoms, usually due to a difference in electronegativity. In a hydrogen bond, no electrons are shared; instead, the interaction is based on the attraction between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom.

In summary, covalent bonds are stronger, intramolecular connections resulting from the sharing of electrons, while hydrogen bonds are weaker, intermolecular attractions based on the electrostatic interaction between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom.

Comparative Table: Hydrogen Bond vs Covalent Bond

Here is a table comparing the differences between hydrogen bonds and covalent bonds:

Hydrogen bonds are intermolecular forces, causing an attraction between molecules, while covalent bonds are intramolecular forces, occurring within molecules. Covalent bonds are formed by the sharing of electron pairs between atoms, whereas hydrogen bonds are formed by electrostatic attractions between a hydrogen atom and an electronegative atom. Hydrogen bonds are generally weaker than covalent bonds, but stronger than most Van der Waals forces.