Organic Transformations Mediated by Weak Non-Covalent Interactions

Abstract

Since its formal inception following the 1987 Nobel Prize awarded to Cram, Lehn, and Pedersen, supramolecular chemistry has evolved into a cornerstone of modern molecular science, driven by the strategic use of noncovalent interactions like hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding, π-stacking, and beyond. These subtle yet powerful forces enable the construction of adaptive, stimuli-responsive architectures with exceptional spatial and functional precision. In the realm of catalysis, such interactions unlock new dimensions of control: they preorganize reactive species, stabilize elusive transition states, and steer reaction pathways with unmatched selectivity. This feature article surveys recent breakthroughs in organic supramolecular catalysis, emphasizing how π-stacking, electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexation, and anion–π interactions are being ingeniously leveraged to drive high-efficiency transformations under mild, often metal-free, conditions. By integrating innovative design principles with mechanistic insight, we propose a forward-looking vision for supramolecular catalysis, not merely as a toolkit, but as a foundational paradigm poised to revolutionize the future of sustainable organic synthesis.

Keywords

Metal-free catalysis - Noncovalent interactions - Organic synthesis - Supramolecular catalysis - Weak interactions

Publication History

Received: 08 September 2025

Accepted after revision: 27 October 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
27 October 2025

Article published online:
25 November 2025

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