“Rediscovery” of Halogen Bonding: Impact on Biomolecular Sciences

Stavroula Koulocheri, A.

Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, NKUA, Greece

Dr. Stavroula Koulocheri, A., Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, NKUA, Greece.

Keywords: Halogen Bond; ?-hole; Biomolecular Halogen Bonding; Protein-Ligand Complexes; Drug Design

Abstract

The ability of halogens to form non-covalent interactions, such as halogen bonding, and other polar interactions, in biomolecular structures was revealed recently. In this article, the concept of halogen bonding and the general background of σ-hole is presented, with special focus on its role in biomolecular sciences. Also, the geometry, the strength and its occurrence in biomolecules and in protein-ligand complexes is discussed. From the analysis of data, the potential use of halogen bonds is examined as molecular tools in the biomolecular recognition and the rational drug design.

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