Author:

Keywords:

Science & Technology, Physical Sciences, Chemistry, Multidisciplinary, Chemistry, G-quadruplex, G-quartets, guanine self-assembly, noncovalent synthesis, supramolecular chemistry, SUPRAMOLECULAR G-QUADRUPLEXES, LIPOPHILIC G-QUADRUPLEXES, GUEST EXCHANGE, CHELATE COOPERATIVITY, PATHWAY, CATION, PHASE, ENCAPSULATION, COMPLEXATION, STABILITY, 03 Chemical Sciences, Organic Chemistry, 34 Chemical sciences

Abstract:

In analogy to covalent reactions, the understanding of noncovalent association pathways is fundamental to influence and control any supramolecular process. Following an approach that is reminiscent of covalent methodologies, we study here, for the first time, the mechanism of G-quadruplex formation in organic solvents. Our results support a reaction pathway in which the cation shifts the equilibrium towards a G-quartet transient intermediate, which then acts as a template in the formation of the G-quadruplex product.