Carbon hydrogen bonding

In contrast, with increased polarization due to adjacent atoms, carbon atoms can theoretically participate in hydrogen bonds as strong as those formed by conventional donors, specifically oxygen or nitrogen (3, 4).

Hydrocarbons are organic molecules consisting entirely of carbon and hydrogen. We often use hydrocarbons in our daily lives: for instance, the propane in a gas grill and the butane in a lighter are both hydrocarbons.

Carbon contains four electrons in its outer shell. Therefore, it can form four covalent bonds with other atoms or molecules. The simplest organic carbon molecule is methane (CH₄), in which four hydrogen atoms bind to a carbon atom (Figure 1).

Electron sharing between an atom of carbon and four atoms of hydrogen meets the requirements of all atoms. The bonds are covalent because the electrons are shared. Although hydrogen often participates in ionic bonds, carbon does not because it is highly unlikely to donate or accept four electrons.