Halogen Bond-Based Receptors

AbstractThis article presents an overview of applications of halogen bonding in host–guest chemistry and molecular recognition. Halogen bonds are attractive interactions between covalently bonded, electron-deficient halogens and Lewis bases. In recent years, it has become increasingly evident that halogen bonding interactions of organic donors (i.e., compounds having C–X bonds) can have appreciable strength and pronounced directionality in solution. In a relatively short period of time, impressive progress has been made in using halogen bonding as a design feature for the construction of supramolecular systems such as anion receptors and transporters, chemical sensors, molecular capsules, and mechanically interlocked molecules. Not only can halogen bonds act as “replacements” for the hydrogen bonds that are conventionally employed in such contexts, but also they can give rise to unique properties and behaviors due to differences between the two types of interactions.