Book excerpt: This book aims to overview the role of non-covalent interactions, such as hydrogen and halogen bonding, π-π, π-anion and electrostatic interactions, hydrophobic effects and van der Waals forces in the synthesis of organic and inorganic compounds, as well as in design of new crystals and function materials. The proposed book should allow to combine, in a systematic way, recent advances on the application of non-covalent interactions in synthesis and design of new compounds and functional materials with significance in Inorganic, Organic, Coordination, Organometallic, Pharmaceutical, Biological and Material Chemistries. Therefore, it should present a multi- and interdisciplinary character assuring a rather broad scope. We believe it will be of interest to a wide range of academic and research staff concerning the synthesis of new compounds, catalysis and materials. Each chapter will be written by authors who are well known experts in their respective fields.