ABSTRACT
The interaction of nucleobases with transition metals has interested coordination chemists for several decades. This interest increased dramatically after the discovery that cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II) was effective against certain types of cancer. This chapter deals with the interaction of purine nucleobases and their derivatives with transition metals. The interaction of the nucleotide, or even the nucleoside, poses several problems, as there are a considerable number of alternative bonding sites. In order to simplify the large number of interactions possible between nucleotides and transition metals, model compounds of nucleobase derivatives have been extensively used. In order to replicate the behavior, the N(9) position has to be blocked, and this is usually achieved using an alkyl substituent. Most of the evidence to support such a linkage is based on infrared spectroscopy and, in particular, a lowering of the (C(6)=O) frequency from about 1700 to about 1620 cm-1.
