What is the primary characteristic of hydrophobic bonds?

The primary characteristic of hydrophobic bonds is related to the repulsive forces of water, which causes nonpolar molecules to aggregate in an aqueous environment. Hydrophobic interactions occur when nonpolar substances, which do not interact favorably with water, come together to minimize their exposure to water.

In water, the molecules tend to form a hydrogen-bonded network, creating a stable structure. When hydrophobic molecules enter this environment, they disrupt the hydrogen bonding among water molecules, leading to a thermodynamically unfavorable condition. To alleviate this, hydrophobic molecules will cluster together, reducing their collective surface area that is in contact with water. This behavior is a fundamental aspect of biological systems, influencing protein folding, membrane formation, and the behavior of various biomolecules. Thus, option B accurately describes why hydrophobic bonds form, as it highlights the role of water's repulsive forces driving the aggregation of nonpolar entities.