Halogen bonding: A paradigm in supramolecular chemistry

The term halogen bonding describes the tendency of halogen atoms to interac t with lone pair possessing atoms. The binding features and structural prop erties of halogen bonding are discussed and applied to drive the intermolec ular self-assembly of hydrocarbons and perfluorocarbons in chemo-, site-, a nd enantioselective supramolecular synthesis. The halogen bonding is thus a n effective and reliable tool in crystal engineering at the disposal of the supramolecular chemist.