Hydrogen bond types which do not fit accepted definitions

Abstract

There are various interactions that either partially fit or do not fit the currently accepted definitions of the hydrogen bond. However, they possess characteristics of this interaction. It seems that it is partly connected to the fact that these definitions are not precise. The typical 3c–4e (three centres – four electrons) A–H⋯B hydrogen bond is characterized by the single-atom A and B centres that are highly electronegative. On the other hand, non-typical interactions that do not fit the hydrogen bond definitions well are characterised by uncommon proton donors and/or proton acceptors. The cases of multi-centre proton acceptors, π-electron or σ-electron systems are well known – such interactions are designated as A–H⋯π and A–H⋯σ hydrogen bonds, respectively. However, the cases of interactions with the multi-centre proton donors and proton acceptors do not fit the majority of definitions of hydrogen bond. The π⋯H⁺⋯π system in the proton-bound homodimer of acetylene is an example. This system can be classified as a hydrogen bond according to the two-sites hydrogen bond, 2sHB, definition. There are various types of interactions discussed in this review; among them, those that are undoubtedly unclassified as hydrogen bonds, i.e., hydride bonds, and charge inverted hydrogen bonds, CIHBs. Special emphasis is also put here on the proton sponges and other systems such as the [FHF]⁻ anion or [NgHNg]⁺ cation (Ng is the noble gas centre).