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.