Synthesis of heterocycles containing two cytosine or two guanine base-pairing sites. Novel tectons for self-assembly☆

Abstract The synthesis of 1 and 2 is described, as is the X-ray structure of 1. Tecton 1 contains two DAA hydrogen bonding sites (cytosine-like), while 2 contains two DDA sites (guanosine-like). Tectons 1 and 2 were designed to self-assemble into a helical superstructure. Self-recognition of 1 occurs in the solid state with a novel inclusion of dimethylacetamide solvent.