Dynamic Chemistry for Asymmetric Synthesis, Molecular Motion and Constitutional Exchange

Abstract: Living matter is built on complex dynamic systems consisting of numerus biotransformations. By exploiting the adaptive and evolutive behaviors ofmolecular matter, dynamic chemistry has developed as an important tool tounderstand the organization of nonliving matter into complex living systems.This thesis concerns three aspects of dynamic chemistry with a general focus onthe influence of different stimuli on the structures and functions of dynamicsystems.The first section focuses on dynamic kinetic resolution, where enzymes areutilized for asymmetric synthesis of an enantiopure (2R,5R)-1,3-oxathiolane. Byemploying surfactant-treated subtilisin Carlsberg and Candida antarcticalipase B, the absolute configuration of the resulting 1,3-oxathiolane ring couldbe efficiently controlled.The second section addresses the motional dynamics of configurational enamineswitch systems controlled by multiple stimuli. Complete forward and backwardrotation around the enamine C=C bond could be precisely regulated uponaddition of acid/base or metal ions. The enamine switches exhibited specificsensing ability for CuII ions in solution. Moreover, the enamines exhibitedswitchable aggregation-induced emission in the solid state, which could beapplied in the development of sensors as well as fluorescent organogel.Lastly, the enamine switches could readily undergo constitutional exchange withprimary amines under catalytic acidic conditions, resulting in dynamic enaminesystems. However, under basic conditions or in the presence of excessive acid,this process exhibited extremely slow kinetics, leading to an efficient regulationof the exchange process by controlling the switch status with regulation of pHin the system.