In situ deprotection and dynamic covalent assembly using a dual role catalyst.

Utilization of constituent molecular precursors bearing covalently coreactive functional groups for self-assembly risks premature reaction, impeding synthetic and purification efforts. To prevent premature amine-aldehyde condensation for oligomers bearing both groups, we employ a dual-role Lewis acid catalyst for both in situ acetal deprotection and subsequent imine exchange, effecting oligomer assembly.