Donor-acceptor dynamic combinatorial catenanes in water

This thesis describes work on aqueous dynamic combinatorial libraries (DCLs) with inbuilt donor-acceptor recognition units, aiming at catenane assembly using a dynamic combinatorial approach. In Chapter 1, the general background on donor-acceptor interactions, examples of donor-acceptor catenanes and related supramolecular systems, as well as the principle of DCC and examples of disulfide DCLs are described. Chapter 2 presents the initial studies on the exploitation of donor-acceptor interactions in aqueous DCLs containing separate donor and acceptor building blocks. Chapter 3 deals with DCLs consist of both the donor and acceptor building blocks. The discovery, amplification, characterisation and binding studies of the first [2]catenane assembled from such a library are also described. The characterisation, conformational studies and binding behaviour of an isomeric [2]catenane are presented in Chapter 4. Chapter 5 continues to explore the DCL behaviour of a number of isomeric donor building blocks in relation to their abilities in catenane formation. New [2]catenanes, either with an unexpected stoichiometry or composed of different kinds of donor and acceptor units, are discussed. Experimental procedures and supplementary information are provided in Chapter 6 and Appendix.EThOS - Electronic Theses Online ServiceGBUnited Kingdo