Structural properties and the effect of interaction of alkali (Li+, Na+, K+) and alkaline earth (Be2+, Mg2+, Ca2+) metal cations with G and SG-tetrads

► Interaction energy and metal ion affinity stability order Li+>Na+>K+, Be2+>Mg2+>Ca2+. ► Solvent interaction increased the stability of the G, SG-tetrads and complexes. ► Smaller ions are tightly bonded to G and SG-tetrads. ► Electrostatic potential map of the tetrads have been plotted.