Name the noncovalent interactions.

Noncovalent interactions are a type of bond that occurs between atoms in a molecule. They are critical for numerous physiological functions and processes and ensure structural stability of many biological molecules. These interactions are weaker than covalent bonds and include multiple different types that have different strengths and properties.

The various types of noncovalent interactions are: (1) Ion-Ion Interaction (also known as Coulombic or Electrostatic interaction), (2) Ion-Dipole Interaction, (3) Dipole-Dipole Interaction, (4) Hydrogen Bonding, (5) Van der Waals Forces (comprising London Dispersion Forces and Dipole-induced Dipole Interactions), (6) Hydrophobic interaction.

(1) Ion-Ion Interaction: This occurs between charged particles. (2) Ion-Dipole Interaction: This occurs between an ion and a polar molecule. (3) Dipole-Dipole Interaction: This occurs between polar molecules. (4) Hydrogen Bonding: A special type of dipole-dipole interaction between the hydrogen atom in a polar bond (such as H-F, H-O and H-N) and an electronegative atom. (5) Van der Waals Forces: It consists of London Dispersion Forces (occurring due to temporary fluctuations in electron density in atoms and molecules) and Dipole-induced Dipole Interactions (occurring between a polar molecule and a nonpolar molecule). (6) Hydrophobic interaction: It’s an interaction occurring between nonpolar molecules in a polar surrounding, especially noticeable in water.