Perspectives on halogen bonding and other σ-hole interactions: Lex parsimoniae (Occam's Razor)

► An overview of the “σ-hole” concept is given. ► σ-Holes on Groups IV-VII atoms explain many long known noncovalent interactions. ► Density difference plots of halogen bonding interactions are presented. ► Electrostatic potentials point to the fallacy of atomic charges. ► Electrostatics/polarization and dispersion can usually explain σ-hole bonding.