Molecular recognition in aqueous solution: an estimate of the intrinsic binding energy of an amide–hydroxy hydrogen bond

Abstract
The intrinsic binding energy of an amide–hydroxy hydrogen bond [NHCO ⋯ HO] has been estimated (ca.– 12 kJ mol–1 at 293 K); the major contribution to this value appears to be entropic, hydrogen bond formation being driven by the release of ordered water from the carbonyl group.