Adaptation of dynamic covalent systems of imine constituents to medium change by component redistribution under reversible phase separation

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Aug 1;134(30):12861-8. doi: 10.1021/ja305379c. Epub 2012 Jul 19.

Abstract

A dynamic covalent library of interconverting imine constituents, dissolved in an acetonitrile/water mixture, undergoes constitutional reorganization upon phase separation induced by a physical stimulus (heat) or a chemical effector (inorganic salt, carbohydrate, organic solvent). The process has been made reversible, regenerating the initial library upon phase reunification. It represents the behavior of a dynamic covalent library upon reversible phase separation and its adaptation to a phase change, with up-regulation in each phase of the fittest constituents by component selection. Finally, the system exemplifies the splitting of a 2D (square) constitutional dynamic network into a 3D (cube) one.