What kind of bond results from an electrostatic attraction between a proton in one molecule and an electronegative atom in another?

The bond described in the question is a hydrogen bond, which is a specific type of attractive interaction that occurs when a hydrogen atom is covalently bonded to a highly electronegative atom, such as oxygen, nitrogen, or fluorine. In this scenario, the hydrogen atom carries a partial positive charge due to its bond with the electronegative atom, creating an electrostatic attraction with the electronegative atoms of neighboring molecules. This interaction is weaker than both covalent and ionic bonds but is crucial for many biological and chemical processes, including the properties of water and the structure of DNA.

Understanding hydrogen bonds is important because they play a significant role in determining the physical properties of substances and the behavior of molecules in biological systems, influencing everything from protein folding to the boiling point of liquids.