The Cation−π Interaction

Noncovalent interactions play a dominant role in forefront areas of modern chemistry, from design to molecular biology. A detailed of the physical origin and scope of interactions has become a major goal of physical chemistry. Compared to the more conventional such as hydrogen bonds, ion pairs (salt bridges), and the hydrophobic interaction, the -π interaction has been relatively underappreciated. is not a new effect-experimental support a prominent interaction in the gas phase more than 15 years ago, and the potential for such an interaction has always been evident from electrostatic analysis of benzene.