Modelling biologically important NH$\cdots\pi$ interactions

The review summarizes the information accumulated to date on NH$\cdots\pi$ interactions, which represent an unconventional type of hydrogen bonding between the NH-donor (most often amines, carboxamides or NH heterocycles) and a proton acceptor (usually an electron-enriched aromatic or heteroaromatic rings). The importance of NH$\cdots\pi$ interactions stems mainly from their involvement in the structuring of proteins and some other biomolecules, as well as in molecular recognition processes. The growth of knowledge on NH$\cdots\pi$ interactions contributes to a better understanding of complex biochemical processes, stimulates the development of new drugs and improved methods of their targeted delivery. Since the study of NH$\cdots\pi$ interactions on living tissues is rather difficult, their modelling on various synthetic objects has become widespread. In the review, various types of such models are systematized and compared in regard of their geometry, stereo dynamics, and NH$\cdots\pi$ binding energy. Examples of reactions driven by NH$\cdots\pi$ interaction are given, as well as examples of practical use. A rational classification of existing models is proposed, which facilitates their convenient consideration.
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