Applications of catalytic systems containing DNA nucleobases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine) in organic reactions

Abstract

In recent years, nucleobases have attracted special attention because of their abundant resources and multiple interaction sites, which enable them to interact with and functionalize other molecules. This review focuses on the catalytic activities of each of the four main nucleobases found in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) in various organic reactions. Based on the studies, most of the nucleobases act as heterogeneous catalytic systems. The authors hope their assessment will help chemists and biochemists to propose new procedures for utilizing nucleobases as catalysts in various organic synthetic transformations. The review covers the corresponding literature published till the end of August 2023.