Pairwise Hydrophobic Interaction (HI)

Abstract

This chapter forms the kernel of the whole book. Here we shall survey the available information on the most elementary, but fundamental, process to which the term hydrophobic interaction (HI) may be applied. This is essentially the dimerization process. The concept of “dimer” is used here in quite a broad sense. In fact, there always exists some ambiguity in the very definition of a dimer formed by two solute particles. Although we shall be discussing dimers formed by complex solute molecules, we shall restrict ourselves first to simple spherical solute molecules.