Abstract
The σ- and π-hole interactions are used to define attractive forces involving elements of groups 12–18 of the periodic table acting as Lewis acids and any electron rich site (Lewis base, anion, and π-system). When the electrophilic atom belongs to group 14, the resulting interaction is termed a tetrel bond. In the first part of this feature paper, tetrel bonds formed in crystalline solids involving sp3-hybridized carbon atom are described and discussed by using selected structures retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database. The interaction is characterized by a strong directionality (close to linearity) due to the small size of the σ-hole in the C-atom opposite the covalently bonded electron withdrawing group. The second part describes the utilization of two allotropic forms of carbon (C60 and carbon nanotubes) as supramolecular catalysts based on anion–π interactions (π-hole tetrel bonding). This part emphasizes that the π-hole, which is considerably more accessible by nucleophiles than the σ-hole, can be conveniently used in supramolecular catalysis.
Highlights
Many chemical transformations, properties of materials, and biological processes are directed by noncovalent interactions [1,2]
Taking the hydrogen bond (HB) as a model, the names used to designate σ- and π-hole interactions refer to the group of the periodic table where the electrophilic site belongs
In the case of group 14, the heavier elements rarely form double bonds, σ-hole bonding is expected for Si to Pb atoms
Summary
Properties of materials, and biological processes are directed by noncovalent interactions [1,2]. Tetrel, pnicogen, chalcogen, and halogen atoms (group 14, 15, 16, and 17, respectively) usually form four, three, two, and one covalent bonds, respectively, and they concomitantly present four, three, two, and one σ-holes opposite them. These depleted areas of electron density can function as electrophilic sites and attractively interact with electron rich atoms or π-systems. TtBs in supramolecular catalysis, on two allotropic formsi.e., of carbon, C60 and carbon This part of the feature paper into paper perspective future ofthe thisbright type offuture noncovalent nanotubes. This part of the puts feature puts the intobright perspective of this bonding type of in catalysis. bonding in catalysis
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