The simple strategy of linking guanine to single-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) through covalent functionalization permitted generation of the alignment of the nanotubes into lozenges reminiscent of guanine quartets (G-quartets) in the presence of potassium ions as observed by atomic force microscopy.

This communication describes mercury(II)-mediated cyclization of N9-propargylguanine under hydrothermal conditions. The structural investigations reported here confirm cyclization and reveal simultaneous formation of a unique organomercury adduct of a tricyclic guanine derivative.

Electrochemical device with components having direct significance to biological life processes is a potent futuristic strategy for the realization of all-round green and sustainable development. We present here synthesis design, structural analysis and ion transport of a novel solid organic electrolyte (G7Li), a compound reminiscent of ion channels, derived from regioisomeric N7-guanine-carboxylate conjugate and Li-ions. G7Li, with it’s in-built supply of Li+-ions, exhibited remarkably high lithium-ion transference number (= 0.75) and tunable room temperature ionic conductivity spanning three decades (≈10−7 to 10−3 Ω−1 cm−1) as a function of moisture content. The ionic conductivity show a distinct reversible transition around 80–100 °C, from a dual Li+ and H+ (<100 °C) to a pure Li+ conductor (>100 °C). Systematic studies reveal a transition from water-assisted Li-ion transport to Li hopping-like mechanism involving guanine-Li coordination. While as-synthesized G7Li has potential in humidity sensors, the anhydrous G7Li is attractive for rechargeable batteries.

This communication describes crystallographic details of structures reminiscent of ion channels, formed from regioisomeric N7 and N9 guanine-carboxylate conjugates with potassium/sodium ions and their subsequent STM observations on Au(111) surface. Ion channel-like crystal structures were obtained with the observation of a notable shift in metal ion coordination from carbonyl to carboxylate oxygen. These results are expected to provide insight into competing sites for modified guanine−metal coordination, an entry into guaninebased ion channels and a route toward guanine-functionalized surfaces.

Three copper-N9-modified guanine complexes are reported with structures ranging from a discrete trinuclear motif to a mixed-valence coordination polymer. These complexes were used as precursors for the deposition and growth of copper oxide thin films on Si(100), at two different annealing temperatures, by using a CVD technique. Subsequent resistivity measurements suggest the formation of conductive thin films, raising the possibility of using nucleobase-metal complexes as versatile thin film precursors.