Manipulating replication processes within a dynamic covalent framework.

The reaction of an amine bearing an amidopyridine recognition site and an aldehyde bearing a carboxylic acid recognition site affords an imine that is capable of directing its own formation through a dynamic covalent replication cycle. Additionally, the amine, formed by reduction of the replicating imine, is a more efficient catalyst for the formation of the replicating imine than the imine is a catalyst for its own formation.