σ-Hole Interactions in Catalysis

Abstract

Noncovalent interactions like halogen, chalcogen, and pnictogen bonding are known for a very long time. During the last decade, these interactions have found different applications in catalysis. These forces are often called σ-hole interactions which can be explained by the anisotropic distribution of the electron density around these atoms. In this MiniReview, we will present recent applications of halogen, chalcogen, and pnictogen bonding in catalysis and discuss experimental and computational investigations to gain more insights into the underlying mechanisms.