Electronic Basis of Improper Hydrogen Bonding: a Subtle Balance of Hyperconjugation and Rehybridization

The X[bond]H bond length in X[bond]H...Y hydrogen bonded complexes is controlled by a balance of two main factors acting in opposite directions. "X[bond]H bond lengthening" due to n(Y)-->sigma(H[bond]X) hyperconjugative interaction is balanced by "X[bond]H bond shortening" due to increase in the s-character and polarization of the X[bond]H. When hyperconjugation dominates, X[bond]H bond elongation is reflected in a concomitant red shift of the corresponding IR stretching frequency. When the hyperconjugative interaction is weak and the X-hybrid orbital in the X[bond]H is able to undergo a sufficient change in hybridization and polarization, rehybridization dominates leading to a shortening of the X[bond]H and a blue shift in the X[bond]H stretching frequency.