Of all properties of metal nucleobase complexes, formation of multinuclear species appears to be
an outstanding feature. After a brief introduction into well known polymeric metal nucleobase
complexes, three aspects recently Studied in our laboratory will be dealt with in more detail: (i) Heteronuclear
complexes derived from trans-[(amine)2Pt(1-MeC)2]2+ (1-MeC=1-methylcytosine).
They form, e. g. with Pd(II) or Hg(II), upon single deprotonation of the exocyclic amino group of
each 1-MeC ligand, compounds of type trans-[(amine)2Pt(1-MeC-)2MY]n+, displaying Pt-M bond
formation. (ii) Cyclic nucleobase complexes derived from cis-a2Pt(II). A cyclic compound of composition
{[(en)Pt(UH-N1,N3)]4}4+ (UH=monoanion of unsubstituted uracil) is presented and the
analogy with organic calix-[4]-arenes is pointed out. (iii) Cyclic nucleobase complexes from trans-a2Pt(II). Possible ways for the preparation of macrocyclic nucleobase complexes containing trans-a2Pt(II) linkages are outlined and precursors and intermediates are presented.
