A theoretical prediction on the ground‐state complexes bound by metal ions to thymine base isomers

Stability orderings of 150 stable complexes formed by metal ions (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, and Zn²⁺) and 13 stable thymine tautomers in both solvent and gas phases are obtained, and the optimal binding site for a metal ion in a specific thymine tautomer is identified. Results indicate that the complex with the canonical thymine tautomer (T1) is more stable than those with the rare ones, and the monodentate complex M–T1o4(o2) are their ground‐state form in the solvent phase. The ground‐state thymine complexes bound by Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, or Zn²⁺ become bidentate M–T3o4lo2,n3, which is derived from a rare thymine tautomer T3o4l, whereas those bound by Na⁺ and K⁺ are still monodentate complexes M–T1o4(o2), however, in the gas phase. The differences in stability are discussed in detail from the binding strength of metal ions, relative energy of the corresponding thymine tautomers, and solution effect. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.