A DNA-Binding Copper(I) Metallosupramolecular Cylinder that Acts as an Artificial Nuclease

The DNA binding of a dicationic pyridylimine‐based dicopper(I) metallosupramolecular cylinder is reported together with its ability to act as an artificial nuclease. The cylinder binds strongly to DNA; more strongly than the spherical dication [Ru(phen)3]2+ (phen=1,10‐phenanthroline), but more weakly than the corresponding tetracationic cylinders. DNA coiling effects are not observed with this dication, in contrast to the situation with the previously reported tetracationic cylinder involving a similar ligand. Linear dichroism (LD) data suggests that the dicopper cylinder binds in a different orientation from that of the tetracationic iron cylinder. Furthermore, the dicopper cylinder shows DNA‐cleavage activity in the presence of peroxide. Of particular note is that the cylinder displays a marked and unusual ability to cleave both DNA strands at the same site, probably reflecting its dinuclear nature and possibly its mode of binding to the DNA. It's a snip! Dicationic pyridylimine‐based dicopper(I) metallosupramolecular cylinders bind strongly to DNA and exhibit cleavage activity towards double‐stranded DNA in the presence of peroxide (see illustration).