Sigma-hole interactions encompass a wide range of non-covalent interactions such as halogen, chalcogen and pnictogen bonds. These highly directional interactions all involve atoms with an electron-deficient area, known as a sigma-hole, located at the outermost end of the sigma-bond. This sigma-hole allows the atoms to interact non-covalently with an electron-rich area, opening up a new field of research whose applications have been growing since the beginning of the 21st century.

In this context of highly competitive research, interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers in this field is essential. The GDR Sigma-Hole was created with the aim to accelerate and facilitate the structuring of French research in this field, in order to enhance its visibility, particularly in Europe.

This GDR is multidisciplinary, bringing together numerous laboratories working in various themes of chemistry — from reactivity in solution (organic and analytical chemistry, catalysis, molecular recognition) to theoretical chemistry (computational chemistry, modeling), including solid state organization (crystallography, materials and surface chemistry, solid state engineering).