Abstract
Aza-crown ethers are ligands in which the oxygen atoms are replaced by nitrogen atoms in the crown ether ring systems. This type of ligand possesses specific complexation with metal ions, such as those of transition-metals, rare earths, alkali metals and alkaline earths, which form metal complexes whose structures are similar to those of some biological enzymes. In recent decades, research on aza-crown ethers and their metal complexes as mimics of nucleases in hydrolysing nucleic acids has attracted increasing attention. These studies illuminate the mechanism of nucleic acid hydrolytic cleavage as catalysed by natural nucleases. In order to assist the design and synthesis of highly active, selective and stable mimic nucleases, this paper reviews recent progress in the investigation of aza-crown ether metal complexes as mimic nucleases, including: the relationship between the structures and activities of synthetic metallonucleases; multicentre synergistic catalysis of metal ions in multinuclear complexes; bifunctional cooperative catalysis of the branches and ions in the complexes; and especially, the structural characteristic and catalytic mechanism of aza-crown ether metal complexes as mimic nucleases.