A Cationic Zinc Porphyrin as a Chiroptical Probe for Z‐DNA

Abstract

Z for zinc and Z-DNA: As a result of different binding modes, a cationic zinc porphyrin discriminates between B and Z conformations of DNA and holds promise as a probe for Z-DNA. A very intense induced circular dichroism (ICD) effect with a bisignate spectrum is observed upon interaction of the porphyrin with Z-DNA (see graphic; porphyrin red, Z-DNA green), whereas only a weak ICD spectrum results upon its interaction with B-DNA.