Adaptive Correction from Virtually Complex Dynamic Libraries: The Role of Noncovalent Interactions in Structural...

Area of Science:

• Molecular self-assembly
• Supramolecular chemistry
• Dynamic covalent chemistry

Background:

• Hierarchical self-assembly is governed by component information.
• Adaptive processes select structurally fittest assemblies based on environment.

Purpose of the Study:

• Investigate self-assembly in disulfide-based dynamic covalent libraries.
• Characterize the evolution of complex mixtures to single compounds.
• Understand error-check and correction mechanisms in molecular assembly.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of diverse pseudopeptidic compounds.
• Formation of disulfide-based dynamic covalent libraries.
• Analysis of reaction mixtures over time using spectroscopic and chromatographic methods.

Main Results:

• Complex mixtures evolve towards a single major compound.
• Intramolecular noncovalent interactions drive the selection process.
• Evidence of error-check and error-correction mechanisms observed.

Conclusions:

• Dynamic covalent systems exhibit adaptive self-assembly.
• Noncovalent interactions and folding are crucial for selective assembly.
• Environmental factors influence the outcome of self-assembly.