Assembly of nucleobases into rings and cages via metal ions

Abstract

Metal ions are natural counterparts of nucleic acids and crucial in stabilizing many specific structures. While the relevant bulk main group metal ions (Na+, K+, Mg2+) are predominantly important in keeping base pairs in register and/or allowing the formation of particular specific RNA structures, transition metal ions, and specifically the soft ones, display a pronounced affinity for donor atoms of the heterocyclic nucleobases as part of nucleic acids. Their nature in fact provides a large number of different binding patterns, including specific cross-links and/or the formation of cyclic entities and/or cages. This review article summarizes constructs obtained this way, without over-emphasizing their biological relevance. Nevertheless, it can be claimed that in a number of cases model findings have preceded their discoveries in biorelevant events.