[Creation of new supramolecular chemistry based on multiple interaction in aqueous solution]

Novel supramolecular chemistry of multinuclear zinc(II) complexes in aqueous solution has been created by utilizing multiple interactions with polyanions. We have established reliable and convenient synthetic methods of multidentate macrocyclic polyamines and their zinc(II) complexes and thereby undertook a focused investigation of four topics: 1) efficient inhibition of photo[2 + 2] cycloaddition of thymidine dimer by dimeric zinc(II) complexes; 2) selective extraction and transport of thymidine nucleotide derivatives from the aqueous phase to the organic phase by lipophilic zinc(II) complexes and selective recognition of thymidine nucleotides by ditopic zinc(II) complexes in aqueous solution; 3) supramolecular polyhedrons formed by self-assembly of a trimeric zinc(II) complex with cyanuric acid or trithiocyanuric acid; and 4) a selective fluorescent probe for lanthanide ions such as Y3+ and La3+ based on a double-functionalized ligand with carbamoyl and dansyl groups. This knowledge should afford new methodology for supramolecular chemistry in aqueous solution.