Self-replicating molecular systems which are not DNA-based are important to the pursuit of extraterrestrial life. We are investigating a molecular scaffold that utilizes chalcogen bonding rather than hydrogen bonding as part of its replication mechanism, and may be capable of autocatalysis. The key scaffold-forming step involves condensing an aldehyde with an amine to generate an imine template molecule that acts through dynamic equilibrium. Our design, synthesis, and kinetic studies will be presented alongside our plans to convert our dynamic system into a static one in situ.

Self-replication using dynamic-covalent chemistry and chalcogen bonding

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ACS Spring 2023

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