sp³ carbon-hydrogen bond.

Strength of bond

On the basis of experimental and computational studies, the stabilization arising from an agostic interaction is estimated to be 10-15 kcal/mol. Recent calculations using compliance constants point to a weaker stabilisation (<10 kcal/mol). Thus, agostic interactions are stronger than most hydrogen bonds. Agostic bonds sometimes play a role in catalysis by increasing 'rigidity' in transition states. For instance, in Ziegler-Natta catalysis the highly electrophilic metal center has agostic interactions with the growing polymer chain. This increased rigidity influences the stereoselectivity of the polymerization process.