Tuneable DNA-based asymmetric catalysis using a G-quadruplex supramolecular assemblyElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Includes HPLC methods and traces and CD studies. See DOI: 10.1039/c0cc00194eDedicated to the memory of Professor Ian P. Rothwell

Described is the first modular construction of a G-quadruplex chiral catalyst. The key objective was to use G-quadruplex structures to act as chiral ligands that would allow access to either enantiomer of the product of a Diels-Alder reaction. Harnessing the inherent chirality of DNA, we have developed an enantioselective catalyst for a Diels-Alder reaction. The affinity of G-quadruplex binding ligands for certain DNA sequences has been exploited to deliver a new supramolecular catalyst system.