Chalcogen···π Bonding Catalysis: Concept, Reaction Development and Emerging Opportunities

The activation of π-systems by noncovalent interactions has long been considered as an unfavorable approach. However, recent investigations on chalcogen···π (Ch···π) interactions have demonstrated that it is a reliable and powerful platform to catalyze diverse transformations involving various π-systems, even enabling the achievement of reactions that are otherwise unattainable by other approaches. To highlight this fast-moving frontier, this review summarizes this emerging topic and discusses catalyst design, mechanistic insights, and catalytic strategies based on pure and cooperative chalcogen···π interactions.