Supramolecular assemblies of nucleobase derivative 1-Mecyt with Mg(II) and Ni(II) and solid-state transformation of Ni(II) phase: A comprehensive evidence of their different reactivity toward 1-Mecyt [1-Mecyt=1-methylcytosine]

The synthesis and crystal structure of the compounds [Mg(H2O)(6)(1-Mecyt)(2)]Cl-2 (1), [Ni(H2O)(6)(1-Mecyt)(2)]Cl-2 (2), and [Ni(1-Mecyt)(2)Cl-2] (3) (where 1-Mecyt = 1-Methylcytosine) are reported. Compounds 1 and 2 consist of hexaaquo ions, 1-Mecyt molecules, and chloride ions self-assembled through an extended network of hydrogen-bonding interactions. Compound 3 is made of [Ni(1-Mecyt)(2)Cl-2] units, with the 1-Mecyt molecules directly coordinated to the metal centers through the N(3) and O(2) atoms. When crystals of compound 2 are allowed to stand in air for 1 week, a solid transformation occurs. The results of our investigation clearly suggest that a solid-state reaction takes place in 2, leading to 3.