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By means of the (1)H chemical shifts and the proton-proton proximities as identified in (1)H double-quantum (DQ) combined rotation and multiple-pulse spectroscopy (CRAMPS) solid-state NMR correlation spectra, ribbon-like and quartet-like self-assembly can be identified for guanosine derivatives without isotopic labeling for which it was not possible to obtain single crystals suitable for diffraction. Specifically, characteristic spectral fingerprints are observed for dG(C10)(2) and dG(C3)(2) derivatives, for which quartet-like and ribbon-like self-assembly has been unambiguously identified by (15)N refocused INADEQUATE spectra in a previous study of (15)N-labeled derivatives (Pham, T. N.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2005, 127, 16018). The NH (1)H chemical shift is observed to be higher (13-15 ppm) for ribbon-like self-assembly as compared to 10-11 ppm for a quartet-like arrangement, corresponding to a change from NH···N to NH···O intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The order of the two NH(2)(1)H chemical shifts is also inverted, with the NH(2) proton closest in space to the NH proton having a higher or lower (1)H chemical shift than that of the other NH(2) proton for ribbon-like as opposed to quartet-like self-assembly. For the dG(C3)(2) derivative for which a single-crystal diffraction structure is available, the distinct resonances and DQ peaks are assigned by means of gauge-including projector-augmented wave (GIPAW) chemical shift calculations. In addition, (14)N-(1)H correlation spectra obtained at 850 MHz under fast (60 kHz) magic-angle spinning (MAS) confirm the assignment of the NH and NH(2) chemical shifts for the dG(C3)(2) derivative and allow longer range through-space N···H proximities to be identified, notably to the N7 nitrogens on the opposite hydrogen-bonding face.

The cooperative effect of solvophobic interactions and hydrogen bonding has been exploited to self-assemble supramolecular helical architectures of 8-oxoguanosines in different environments. This self-assembly into helical structures is completely different from that of the parent guanosines which, in the same experimental conditions, form flat, ribbonlike structures. While optical microscopy and X-ray diffraction suggest a chiral columnar aggregate in the LC phase, NMR and Circular Dichroism reveal the presence of a helical structures in solution. Scanning Tunneling Microscopy made it possible to visualize hexagonally arranged G-quartets on graphite, which are sections of the helices packed with their long axis perpendicular to the basal plane of the substrate. Due to their rectifying electrical properties, such helices are interesting for fabricating (opto)electronic biodevices.

Single crystals of a lipophilic G-quadruplex formed by 5‘-tert-butyl-dimethylsilyl-2‘,3‘,-di-O-isopropylidene G 2 were obtained from a CH3CN solution containing potassium picrate and cesium picrate. The X-ray structure showed that 16 units of G 2 and 4 equiv of alkali picrate form the lipophilic G-quadruplex. The quadruplex has a filled cation channel, with three K+ ions and one Cs+ ion located along its central axis. The quadruplex is formed by a pair of head-to-tail (G 2)8-K+ octamers. Both octamers use eight carbonyl oxygens to coordinate K+. The two (G 2)8-K+ octamers are of opposite polarity, being coaxially stacked in a head-to-head orientation. A Cs+ cation, with an unusual coordination geometry, caps the cation channel. The Cs+ is coordinated to four acetonitrile solvent molecules in an η2-fashion. Within an octamer the two tetramers are stacked so that they are 3.3 A apart and twisted by 30°. A second stacking interaction is defined by the head-to-head arrangement between the two (G 2)8-K+ octame...