THE NATURE OF PI-PI INTERACTIONS

A simple model of the charge distribution in a π-system is used to explain the strong geometrical requirements for interactions between aromatic molecules. The key feature of the model is that it considers the σ-framework and the π-electrons separately and demonstrates that net favorable π-π interactions are actually the result of π-σ attractions that overcome π-π repulsions. The calculations correlate with observations made on porphyrin π-π interactions both in solution and in the crystalline state. By using an idealized π-atom, some general rules for predicting the geometry of favorable π-π interactions are derived. In particular a favorable offset or slipped geometry is predicted. These rules successfully predict the geometry of intermolecular interactions in the crystal structures of aromatic molecules and rationalize a range of host-guest phenomena. The theory demonstrates that the electron donor-acceptor (EDA) concept can be misleading: it is the properties of the atoms at the points of intermolecular contact rather than the overall molecular properties which are important. © 1990, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.