Use of Constrained G-Quadruplexes for Enantioselective Sulfoxidation Site Mapping

Catalysis with G-quadruplexes (G4) has shown potential for asymmetric sulfoxidation of thioanisole derivatives. However, the mechanism of chiral regulation of sulfoxidation is yet unknown because G4 can adopt different topologies. To further understand the process underlying sulfoxidation, G4 was chemically constrained into a unique topology. It has been demonstrated that sulfoxidation can occur at the outside of tetrads or at the grooves, creating distinct enantiomers.
The mechanism of enantioselective sulfoxidation was clarified with the aid of these G4 mimics.