Synthesis,DNA-binding,and photocleavage properties of Ru(II) complexes containing dppz-based ligand

A ligand ipdp (ipdp?=?indeno[1′,2′?:?5,6]pyrazino[2,3-i]dipyrido[3,2-a?:?2′,3′-c]phenazine-8-one) and its ruthenium complexes, [Ru(L)₂(ipdp)]²⁺ (L?=?bpy (2,2′-bipyridine), phen (1,10-phenanthroline)), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electrospray mass spectra, and ¹H NMR. The interaction between the complexes and calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that the complexes can bind to CT-DNA in an intercalative mode. In addition, both complexes promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA under irradiation. The mechanistic studies reveal that singlet oxygen ¹O₂ plays a significant role in DNA photocleavage.