Multinuclear Metal Nucleobase Complexes

Of all properties of metal nucleobase complexes, formation of multinuclear species appears to be an outstanding feature. After a brief introduction into well known polymeric metal nucleobase complexes, three aspects recently Studied in our laboratory will be dealt with in more detail: (i) Heteronuclear complexes derived from trans-[(amine)(2)Pt(1-MeC)(2)](2+) (1-MeC=1-methylcytosine). They form, e. g. with Pd(II) or Hg(II), upon single deprotonation of the exocyclic amino group of each 1-MeC ligand, compounds of type trans-[(amine)(2)Pt(1-MeC-)(2)MY](n+), displaying Pt-M bond formation. (ii) Cyclic nucleobase complexes derived from cis-a(2)Pt(II). A cyclic compound of composition {[(en)Pt(UH-N(1),N(3))](4)}(4+) (UH=monoanion of unsubstituted uracil) is presented and the analogy with organic calix-[4]-arenes is pointed out. (iii) Cyclic nucleobase complexes from trans-a(2)Pt(II). Possible ways for the preparation of macrocyclic nucleobase complexes containing trans-a(2)Pt(II) linkages are outlined and precursors and intermediates are presented.