title: Comparative analyses of a family of potential self-replicators: the subtle interplay between molecular structure and the efficacy of self-replication.
abstract: It is envisioned that protocols based on self-replication will emerge as a formidable synthetic apparatus for the production of nanoscale assemblies through molecular structures that are capable of automultiplication with high reaction rates and selectivities. To achieve this goal, a complete understanding of the relationship between molecular structure and replication efficiency is necessary. Rigorous experimental and theoretical analyses of a series of self-complementary scaffolds that are intimately related in a constitutional sense, manufactured through the Diels-Alder reaction of complementary subunits, were undertaken. Experimental and computational methods were employed to map the key determinants that dictate the emergence of self-replicative function, as well as the efficiency, rate and selectivity of the self-replicative processes.
authors.affiliation: Centre for Biomolecular Sciences, School of Chemistry, University of St Andrews, North Haugh, St Andrews KY16 9ST, UK.
authors.forename: Russell J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.forename: Eleftherios
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kassianidis
authors.forename: Alexandra M Z
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Slawin
authors.forename: Douglas
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Philp
mesh_terms: D018360:Crystallography, X-Ray; D005663:Furans / Q000737:chemistry*; D007700:Kinetics; D008958:Models, Molecular; D015394:Molecular Structure; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D011725:Pyridines / Q000737:chemistry*; D013237:Stereoisomerism
chemical_list: D005663:Furans; D011725:Pyridines