A Tutorial Review of the subtle supramolecular interactions influencing the outcomes of equilibrating systems, focusing on the dynamic covalent chemistry (DCC) of disulfide exchange reactions, is presented. We discuss the topics of cation–π interactions (2.1), hydrophobic effects (2.2), hydrogen bonding interactions (2.3) aromatic donor–acceptor interactions (2.4), and metal–ligand interactions (2.5) in the context of dynamic disulfide chemistry.

Seven of the best: A dynamic combinatorial library of polycatenated tetrahedra was prepared by complexation between a dynamic Fe₄L₆ tetrahedral cage, constructed from ligands containing an electron-deficient naphthalenediimide core, and an electron-rich aromatic crown ether, 1,5-dinaphtho[38]crown-10. The highest order species in the library is the tetrahedral [7]catenane.

Dynamic covalent synthesis aims to precisely control the assembly of simple building blocks linked by reversible covalent bonds to generate a single, structurally complex, product. In recent years, considerable progress in the programmability of dynamic covalent systems has enabled easy access to a broad range of assemblies, including macrocycles, shape-persistent cages, unconventional foldamers and mechanically-interlocked species (catenanes, knots, etc.). The reversibility of the covalent linkages can be either switched off to yield stable, isolable products or activated by specific physico-chemical stimuli, allowing the assemblies to adapt and respond to environmental changes in a controlled manner. This activatable dynamic property makes dynamic covalent assemblies particularly attractive for the design of complex matter, smart chemical systems, out-of-equilibrium systems, and molecular devices.

We describe here the discovery of a new class of organic cages assembled from simple tri- and dithiol building blocks using dynamic combinatorial chemistry (DCC). These water-soluble disulfide-linked architectures containing up to eleven components are only generated upon templation by positively charged polyamine guests of appropriate shape and length such as spermine and spermidine. The overall response of the system as expressed in the pattern of peaks in an HPLC trace provides an unusual tool for the identification of the templating analyte.

Subcomponent self-assembly generates dynamic combinatorial libraries of Zn₄L₆ cages whose composition is strongly affected by catenation and encapsulation.