London Dispersion as a Design Element in Molecular Catalysis

This Perspective describes the role of London dispersion (LD) interactions as a key factor controlling chemical selectivity. LD arises from the correlated motion of electrons, leading to subtle yet significant stabilization ("steric attraction"), and counterbalances, together with other noncovalent interactions, Pauli exchange repulsion ("steric hindrance"). While chemists have largely relied on the latter to rationalize selectivities in catalyzed reactions, we emphasize here the role LD plays as a key design element in chemical reactions, in particular, for catalyst development.