Assemblies of cytosine within H-bonded network of adipic acid and citric acid

Adipic acid binds to cytosine to form H-bonded discrete cytosine–cytosinium assemblies embedded in 1D infinite chain of adipic acid, whereas citric acid stabilizes trimeric cytosine–cytosinium assemblies having length of 19.44 Å stabilized between layered structures of citric acid molecules.

► Self-assembly of cytosine is guided by polycarboxylic acids.
► Trimer of cytosine–cytosinium pairs are generated in citric acid assembly.
► Discrete cytosine–cytosinium pairs are held in assemblies of adipic acid.