Molecular recognition of cationic phenothiazinium and phenoxazinium dyes with pi-extended 2'-deoxyadenosine nucleotides.

N(6)-(N'-Arylcarbamoyl)-2'-deoxyadenosine-H-phosphonates displayed molecular recognition towards cationic phenothiazinium and phenoxazinium dyes in aqueous solutions; studies have shown that binding is driven mainly by aromatic interactions and that size and shape-complementarity of the aromatic rings in host and guest provides selectivity.