Supramolecular assembly based on “emerging” intermolecular interactions of particular interest to coordination chemists

An overview of supramolecular assembly sustained by intermolecular contacts pertinent to the coordination chemistry community is presented. Herein, the supramolecular architectures sustained by secondary bonding, encompassing tetrel, pnictogen and chalcogen bonding, interactions occurring between metal centres, metal⋯hydrogen, metal⋯π, main group element(lone pair)⋯π, and finally, those involving chelate rings sustained by formal bonding or by hydrogen bonding are described. Whenever possible, comments are included on the nature of the intermolecular interactions and information on the energy of stabilisation they impart. A wide range of intermolecular connectivities are applicable to heavy element compounds and these complement the more established hydrogen bonding and halogen bonding. Interestingly, the energies associated with “emerging” intermolecular interactions often approach those of conventional intermolecular interactions suggesting these may be competitive in directing the way molecules assemble in the condensed phase.