Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Multiscale Sampling of a Heterogeneous Water/Metal Catalyst Interface using Density Functional Theory and Force-Field Molecular Dynamics
Published on: April 12, 2019
Hydrogen bonds in molecular mechanics force fields
1Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599.
Abstract:
This chapter reviews formulation and parametrization of molecular mechanics force fields with special attention to technical and inherent problems. Most striking among the shortcomings is the inadequacy of the simple point charge description as a means to describe energy and forces of interactions between polar molecules and between polar groups in macromolecules, including hydrogen bonds. The current state of efforts to improve the description of polar interactions is discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Hydrogen Bonds
Hydrogen Bonds
Intermolecular Forces
Intermolecular Forces
Introduction to Chemical Bonds
The electrons of the outermost energy level determine the energetic stability of the atom and its tendency to form chemical bonds with other atoms. The innermost electron shell has a maximum capacity of two electrons, but the next two electron shells can each have a maximum of eight electrons. This is known as the octet rule, which states that, with the exception of the innermost shell, atoms are most stable energetically when they have eight electrons in their valence shell, the...
Molecular Orbital Theory II

