Quadruplex DNA Hybrid Catalysts for Enantioselective Reactions

Abstract

Beyond the pivotal genetic roles of DNA, its duplex structures as chiral scaffolds interacting with metal complexes give rise to DNA hybrid catalysts for a set of aqueous‐phase enantioselective reactions. Besides DNA duplex, DNA quadruplexes including G‐quadruplex and i‐motif show tunable structures with variable non‐canonical base pairs. In this concept, based on the interaction between metal species and DNA, we classify the constructing strategies of quadruplex DNA hybrid catalysts into supramolecular, covalent and coordinative modes. Furthermore, we analyze the relationship between DNA quadruplexes and their enantioselective catalytic performance. Finally, we summarize the current challenges and prospect the future directions in DNA‐based enantioselective catalysis.