What does the strength of Hydrophobic Interactions depend on?
In order of Effectiveness: Temperature: As temperature increases, the strength of hydrophobic interactions increases also. However, at an extreme temperature, hydrophobic interactions will denature. Number of carbons on the hydrophobes: Molecules with the greatest number of carbons will have the strongest hydrophobic interactions. The shape of the hydrophobes: Aliphatic organic molecules have stronger interactions than aromatic compounds. Branches on a carbon chain will reduce the hydrophobic effect of that molecule and linear carbon chain can produce the largest hydrophobic interaction. This is so because carbon branches produce steric hinderance, so it is harder for two hydrophobes to have very close interactions with each other to minimize their contact to water.
