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Molecular Recognition with Model Systems
Author(s) -
Rebek Julius
Publication year - 1990
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition in english
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 0570-0833
DOI - 10.1002/anie.199002451
Subject(s) - molecular recognition , molecule , hydrogen bond , domain (mathematical analysis) , chemistry , nucleic acid , principal (computer security) , nanotechnology , computer science , combinatorial chemistry , computational biology , materials science , biology , biochemistry , mathematics , mathematical analysis , operating system , organic chemistry
Abstract How structures fit together is the principal domain of molecular recognition, and current studies are evolving from the host–guest chemistry of ions to interactions between two molecules. Recent advances in the synthesis of sizable concave molecules, especially those featuring convergent functional groups, make it possible to bind smaller convex structures with considerable selectivity. One result is that hydrogen bonding can be addressed in model systems. The present review emphasizes the use of cleftlike structures as a means of probing the forces involved in nucleic acid recognition. The application of such molecules to the catalysis of chemical reactions, particularly those involved in self‐replicating systems, is also described. Some implications for future pharmaceutical agents are suggested as a result of access to synthetic receptors for biologically relevant targets.