Kinetic Self-Sorting of Dynamic Covalent Catalysts with Systemic Feedback Regulation

Constructing small molecule systems that mimic the functionality exhibited in biological reaction networks is a key objective of systems chemistry. Herein, we report the development of a dynamic catalytic system where the catalyst activity is modulated through a dynamic covalent bond. By connecting a thermodynamically controlled rearrangement process to resolution under kinetic control, the catalyst system underwent kinetic self-sorting, resulting in amplification of a more reactive catalyst while establishing a catalytic feedback mechanism. The dynamic catalyst system furthermore responded to catalytic events by self-perturbation to regulate its own activity, which in the case of upregulation gave rise to systemic autocatalytic behavior.