Intramolecular stacking interaction in mixed-ligand complexes containing ATP4- and aromatic N-heterocyclic ligands

The stability constants of the binary ML2+ and ternary M(ATP)L2- complexes,where L=Iq (isoquinoline) or BIm (benzimidazole) and M=Zn2+ or Cd2+,have been determined by poten-tiometric pH titration in aqueous solution at I=0.1 mol/L (NaClO4),T=25℃.The stability of the ternary complexes characterized by corresponding to the equilibrium M(ATP)2-+ML2+=M(ATP)L2-+M2+ is higher than what would be expected on statistical grounds.The increase may be related to the stacking interaction between the aromatic ring of the ligands L and the purine moiety of ATP4- 1H NMR studies of Zn2+/ATP4-/L confirm the presence of stacking in the ternary complexes.It is concluded that the strength of the intramolecular stacking interaction is dependent on the structure of the aromatic ring of the ligand L and the formation of a metal ion bridge.Possible implications are discussed briefly.