Are hydrophobic interactions weak or strong? Solution Hydrophobic interactions describe the relations between water and hydrophobes (Low-water soluble molecule). Hydrophobes are non-polar molecules and usually have a long chain of carbon that do not interact with water molecules. Strength of hydrophobic bonds are relatively stronger than other weak intermolecular forces (i.e., Vander Waals forces and hydrogen bonds). The strength of hydrophobic interactions depends on several factors like: 1. Temperature: As the temperature increases, the strength of hydrophobic interaction also increases also. However, at extreme temperatures, hydrophobic interactions denature. 2. Number of carbons on hydrophobes: Molecules with greatest number of carbon atoms will have the strongest hydrophobic interactions. 3. The shape of hydrophobes: Aliphatic organic molecules will have stronger interactions than aromatic organic molecules..