Evolution in the Understanding of Noncovalent Interactions Involving Fluorine: From Inception to Maturity to Properties

Noncovalent interactions play a pivotal role in chemistry, offering versatile tools for manipulating and enhancing various material properties. Among these interactions, the relatively weak, fluorine-centered interactions have emerged as an important contributor in the formation of different crystalline phases and thus hold immense potential in different scientific domains. This comprehensive Perspective delves into the supramolecular chemistry of fluorine-involved interactions, and in particular C–H···F interactions, and explores the evolution in the understanding of the nature of noncovalent interactions, involving fluorine. This is of relevance, as it has implications in the structure and properties of compounds. It has been more than three decades since research began in this area, and it is now well realized that “fluorine does indeed form a hydrogen bond” and also it indeed is “polarizable”. This Perspective elucidates their role in nanotechnology, optical, biological, mechanical, catalytic, and electronic properties as well. Futuristic research could lead to the development of innovative materials and technologies with implications in science and industry. However, it is also important to note that while the potential in different applications exists, much of it is yet to be realized and requires further study.