Definition of the tetrel bond

Abstract

This paper proposes a definition of the term “tetrel bond” based on the evidence documented in the current literature. It lists the donors, acceptors, as well as related characteristic features of tetrel bonds that are commonly observed in the crystalline phase and/or that emerge from first principles calculations in the solid-state and gas phases. These may be used to identify, characterize and classify the unique subset of inter- and intramolecular interactions formed by the elements of group 14 of the periodic table that possess an electrophilic site in a molecular entity.