Syntheses, characterization and DNA-binding studies of ruthenium(II) terpyridine complexes: [Ru(tpy)(PHBI)]2+ and [Ru(tpy)(PHNI)]2+

J Inorg Biochem. 2003 Jan 15;93(3-4):247-55. doi: 10.1016/s0162-0134(02)00577-9.

Abstract

Two novel tridentate ligands, 2-(2-benzimidazole)-1,10-phenanthroline (PHBI) and 2-(2-naphthoimidazole)-1,10-phenanthroline (PHNI), and their heteroleptic complexes [Ru(tpy)(PHBI)](ClO(4))(2).2H(2)O (1) and [Ru(tpy)(PHNI)](ClO(4))(2).H(2)O (2) (tpy=2,2':6',2"-terpyridyl) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectra, 1H NMR, and electronic spectroscopy. The electrochemical behaviors of the two novel complexes were studied by cyclic voltammetry. The DNA-binding properties of the two complexes were investigated by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The results indicated that the two complexes interact with DNA in different binding modes. Complex 1 may bind to DNA via electrostatic interaction, while complex 2 binds to DNA by partial intercalation via the extended naphthyl ring into the base pairs of DNA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzimidazoles / chemistry
  • Binding Sites
  • DNA / chemistry
  • DNA / metabolism*
  • Electrochemistry
  • Electron Probe Microanalysis
  • Imidazoles / chemistry
  • Intercalating Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Intercalating Agents / chemistry
  • Molecular Structure
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry
  • Phenanthrolines / chemistry
  • Ruthenium / chemistry*
  • Spectrometry, Mass, Electrospray Ionization
  • Spectrum Analysis

Substances

  • 2-(2-benzimidazole)-1,10-phenanthroline
  • 2-(2-naphthoimidazole)-1,10-phenanthroline
  • Benzimidazoles
  • Imidazoles
  • Intercalating Agents
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Phenanthrolines
  • Ruthenium
  • DNA