Dynamic combinatorial chemistry: a new method for selection and preparation of synthetic receptors

In a dynamic combinatorial library, all compounds are in thermodynamic equilibrium, allowing the library composition to adapt to external influences. Thus, non-covalent forces between a ligand and its receptor can be used to select, stabilize and, thereby, amplify the best receptor in the library. Ligand-induced amplification can be a means of receptor synthesis. Dynamic combinatorial chemistry facilitates access to new receptors, including highly flexible induced-fit receptors and structurally complex capsule-like receptors that are difficult to access using traditional methods. Recently, dynamic combinatorial chemistry has also been used to identify and prepare catalytically active receptors.