Understanding the fundamental principles of noncovalent interactions and their implementation into functional systems is of crucial importantance, not only in supramolecular chemistry, but in molecular sciences overall. In this PhD work unconventional σ-hole and anion-π interactions were explored. Several bidentate chalcogen binding motives were designed, synthesized and successfully employed as anion binders, transporters and catalysts in solution. A clear increase in activity was noted when the heavier selenium was employed instead of the lighter sulfur atom. Additionally pnictogen bonds were found to be among the strongest σ-hole interactions, especially on antimony, and were successfully employed as catalysts. Furthermore bifunctional anion-π catalysts were designed, synthesized and successfully employed in enolate addition reactions. It was found that the linker within the catalyst is crucial to maximize anion-π interactions. Overall, these underexplored noncovalent interactions were shown to have excellent prospects in supramolecular chemistry and beyond.