Development and initial application of a hybridization-independent, DNA-encoded reaction discovery system compatible with organic solvents

We have developed and applied an approach to reaction discovery that takes advantage of DNA encoding, DNA-programmed assembly of substrate pairs, in vitro selection, and PCR amplification, yet does not require reaction conditions that support DNA hybridization. This system allows the simultaneous evaluation of > 200 potential bond-forming combinations of substrates in a single experiment and can be applied in a range of solvent and temperature conditions. In an initial application, we applied this system to explore Au(III)-mediated chemistry and uncovered a simple, mild method for the selective Markovnikov-type hydroarylation of vinyl arenes and trisubstituted olefins with indoles.