Synthesis, Structure, and DNA Cleavage Activity of New Trinuclear Zn3 and Zn2Cu Complexes of a Chiral Macrocycle: Structural Correlation with the Active Center of P1 Nuclease

New homo trinuclear Zn(II) complexes [Zn(3)L(1)(micro-OAc)](ClO(4))(2).3CHCl(3).H(2)O, 1, and [Zn(3)L(1)(micro-OAc)].ClO(4).PF(6).5CH(3)OH.H(2)O, 2, and hetero trinuclear complex [Zn(2)CuL(1)(micro-OAc)](ClO(4))(2).3CHCl(3).H(2)O,3, of optically active hexaaza triphenolic macrocycle H(3)L(1) were synthesized and crystallographically characterized. The cation [Zn(3)L(1)(micro-OAc)](+) structure of 1 and 2 closely resembles the trinuclear Zn(II) active site of P1 nuclease. The distorted tetrahedral geometry of Zn3 was successfully reproduced at Cu1 in complex 3. The complexes 2 and 3 cleave CT DNA at 37 and 50 degrees C.