Single-stranded DNA as supramolecular template for one-dimensional palladium(II) arrays.

Abstract

Atomic level control over the position and growth of a single and continuous metal chain is an ambitious goal that often requires complex and costly processes. Herein, we demonstrate that 1Pd-DNA molecules, comprising a continuous single chain of Pd II ions, can be prepared by a simple self-assembly reaction between the complex [Pd( Cheld )(CH 3 CN)] ( 1Pd_CH 3 CN ) ( Cheld = chelidamic acid) and single-stranded DNA homopolymers (ss-DNA) containing adenine ( A ) or 7-deazaadenine ( X ) bases. The single Pd II -base pairs [1Pd( N1- A)] and [1Pd( N1 -X)] were synthesized and characterized in solution and solid-state (X-ray diffraction) revealing an arrangement similar to that of natural Watson-Crick base pairs. Subsequently, 1Pd-DNA hybrids were prepared, characterized, and their structures studied by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and ab-initio calculations. The results indicate that the 1Pd-DNA structures resemble that of double-stranded DNA, with one strand being replaced by a supramolecular stack of continuous Pd II complexes. Overall, this study presents a simple strategy for the fabrication of 1D nano-architectures based on Pd-DNA systems whose properties could be customized by a rational design of the Pd II complex.Overall, this study presents a simple strategy for the fabrication of 1D nano-architectures based on Pd-DNA systems whose properties could be customized by a rational design of the Pd II complex.