Kinetic studies and modeling of a self-replicating system

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/ja00023a036

The design, synthesis, and study of a molecular template, 11a, that catalyzes its own formation from simpler components, 9 and 10d, is described. Autocatalysis is shown by the following: (1) the increase in rate of reaction of 9 and 10d in the presence of 11a; (2) the reduction in rate of reaction in the presence of 2,6-bis(acetylamino)pyridine inhibitor; and (3) the reduction in rate of reaction when a component incapable of template behavior, 10b, is substituted for 10d. Three kinetic pathways are elucidated: (1) the background bimolecular reaction (eq 6); (2) the preassociative mechanism (eq 7); and (3) the template termolecular process (eq 8). A kinetic model for the replication process is introduced, and equilibrium and rate constants are determined. Predictions for the shapes of the product growth curves are made.