Since its formal inception following the 1987 Nobel Prize awarded to Cram, Lehn, and
Pedersen, supramolecular chemistry has evolved into a cornerstone of modern molecular
science, driven by the strategic use of noncovalent interactions like hydrogen bonding,
halogen bonding, π-stacking, and beyond. These subtle yet powerful forces enable the
construction of adaptive, stimuli-responsive architectures with exceptional spatial
and functional precision. In the realm of catalysis, such interactions unlock new
dimensions of control: they preorganize reactive species, stabilize elusive transition
states, and steer reaction pathways with unmatched selectivity. This feature article
surveys recent breakthroughs in organic supramolecular catalysis, emphasizing how
π-stacking, electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexation, and anion-π interactions are
being ingeniously leveraged to drive high-efficiency transformations under mild, often
metal-free, conditions. By integrating innovative design principles with mechanistic
insight, we propose a forward-looking vision for supramolecular catalysis, not merely
as a toolkit, but as a foundational paradigm poised to revolutionize the future of
sustainable organic synthesis.
