After removal the geologically and astrophysically underabundant Be, B, and F atoms from consideration, the strongest X−Y bonds in H n X−YH m hydrides are for O bonding with Al, Si, and Mg. These are stronger than the C−C bond in ethane or the C−O bond in methanol, for instance. These atoms, along with Fe, which is not a part of this study, are the dominant elements of rocky bodies and also happen to be the most common elements in the Earth's lithosphere. This study has examined the bond strengths of all H n X−YH m hydrides from Li to Cl, except the noble gas Ne. Hence, this work indicates a possible link between simple hydrides, like HOAlH 2 , and the beginning stages of mineral nanocrystal formation in the early solar system or interstellar grain nucleation. These strong bonds likely arise from notably strong ionic interactions between the third-row atoms with oxygen and may drive the early condensation of refractory materials in astrophysical contexts.

The atoms contributing to the strongest “single bonds” on the periodic table do not continue to produce the strongest “double bonds” or “triple bonds.” In fact, the opposite appears to be the case. This quantum chemical examination of nominal X = Y and X ≡ Y bonds in model molecules of atoms from the first three rows of the periodic table shows that the strongest “double bond” is in formaldehyde once the astrophysically-depleted Be and B atoms are removed from consideration. The strongest “triple bond” is a close match between acetylene and N2. However, these results indicate that astrophysical regions containing a high abundance of hydride species will likely be areas where inorganic oxide formation is favored. Those where H2 molecules have already been dissociated will favor organic/volatile astrochemistry.