The function of hydrogen in intermolecular forces

Abstract

We already know the essential nature of the four chief types of forces that can exist between atoms in molecules or crystals, and to a certain extent a quantitative quantum mechanical account can be given of them. The metallic, homopolar, ionic, and residual (van der Waals’s) forces are, however, only idealized types, and in very many substances the nature of the interatomic forces partakes at the same time of two or more of these types. Such intermediate forces are more difficult to study, and consequently present some of the most interesting problems of interpretation.