Bis(saccharinato)palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes with 2,2′-bipyridine: Syntheses,structures, spectroscopic,fluorescent and thermal properties

New palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes, cis-[Pd(bpy)(sac)₂] (1) and cis-[Pt(bpy)(sac)₂] (2), where sac = saccharinate, bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV–Vis, IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR. The structures of the DMSO solvated complexes are determined by X-ray diffraction. Both complexes are isomorphous and the metal ions are coordinated by two N-bonded sac ligands, and two nitrogen atoms of pyridyl groups of bpy in a cis fashion. The mononuclear species interact each other through weak intermolecular C–H?O hydrogen bonds, C–H?π and π?π interactions leading to three-dimensional supramolecular networks. All complexes exhibit a high thermal stability in the solid state, and are fluorescent in the solution.     

Molecular and Crystal Structures of Pentafluorophenyl‐platinum(II) Complexes with Bis(diphenylphosphino)methane,Bis(diphenylarsino)methane and 1,2‐Bis(diphenylarsino)ethane

The X‐ray crystal structures of [PtCl₂(dppm)], [Pt(C₆F₅)₂L] (L = dppm (bis(diphenylphosphino)methane), dpam (bis(diphenylarsino)methane), dpae (bis(diphenylarsino)ethane)) and [PtCl(C₆F₅)(dpae)] show the complexes to be monomeric with chelating dipnictido ligands, and not alternatives with bridging ligands. In [Pt(C₆F₅)₂(dpam)₂], there are two unidentate diarsine ligands in a cis‐arrangement.     

Gold(III) adducts of 2-vinyl- and 2-ethylpyridine and cyclometallated derivatives of 2-vinylpyridine: Crystal structure of the cyclometallated derivative [Au(k-C,N-CH2CH(Cl)-C5H4N)(PPh3)Cl][PF6]

Reaction of Na[AuCl₄] with 2-vinylpyridine (vinpy) and 2-ethylpyridine (etpy) affords the N-bonded adducts Au(Rpy)Cl₃ (R = CH₂CH, vinpy; CH₃CH₂, etpy). Cationic adducts, [Au(vinpy)₂Cl][X]₂ (X = BF₄, PF₆) and [Au(etpy)₂Cl₂][BF₄], were also obtained by reaction of Au(Rpy)Cl₃ with Rpy (1:1) and excess NaBF₄ or KPF₆. Thermal activation of Au(vinpy)Cl₃ in water gives the five-membered cycloaurated derivative [Au(k²-C,N-CH₂CH(Cl)-C₅H₄N)Cl₂] formally resulting through a trans nucleophilic addition of a chloride onto the CC bond. No cyclometallated derivatives are obtained by reactions of Au(etpy)Cl₃. An X-ray crystal structure determination on the PPh₃ derivative [Au(k²-C,N-CH₂CH(Cl)-C₅H₄N)(PPh₃)Cl][PF₆] was carried out.     

Novel structures of cyclometallated complexes of palladium(II) derived from terdentate ligands. Crystal and molecular structure of [Pd{C6H4C(H)=NCH2CH2CH2NMe2}(X)] (X=Cl, Br, I)

Treatment of N-(2-chlorobenzylidene)-N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (1) and N-(2-bromo-3,4-(MeO)₂-benzylidene)-N,N-dimethyl-1,3-propanediamine (20) with tris(dibenzylideneacetone)dipalladium(0) in toluene gave the mononuclear cyclometallated complexes [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(Cl)] (2) and [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(Br)] (21), respectively, via oxidative addition reaction with the ligand as a C,N,N terdentate ligand. Reaction of 2 with sodium bromide or iodide in an acetone–water mixture gave the cyclometallated analogues of 2, [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(Br)] (3) and [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(I)] (4), by halogen exchange. The X-ray crystal structures of 2, 3 and 4 were determined and discussed. Treatment of 2, 3, 4 and 21 with tertiary monophosphines in acetone gave the mononuclear cyclometallated complexes [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(L)(X)] (6: L=PPh₃, X=Cl; 7: L=PPh₃, X=Br; 8: L=PPh₃, X=I; 9: L=PMePh₂, X=Cl; 10: L=PMe₂Ph, X=Cl) and [Pd{3,4-(MeO)₂C₆H₂C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(L)(Br)] (22: L=PPh₃; 23: L=PMePh₂; 24: L=PMe₂Ph). A fluxional behaviour due to an uncoordinated CH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂ could be determined by variable temperature NMR spectroscopy. Treatment of 2, 3 and 4 with silver trifluoromethanesulfonate followed by reaction with triphenylphosphine gave the mononuclear complex [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(PPh₃)][F₃CSO₃] (11) where the Pd–NMe₂ bond was retained. Reaction of 2, 3 and 4 with ditertiary diphosphines in a cyclometallated complex–diphosphine 2:1 molar ratio gave the binuclear complexes [{Pd[C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂](X)}₂(μ-L–L)][L–L=PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂(dppb) (13, X=Cl; 14, X=Br; 15, X=I; L–L=PPh₂(CH₂)₅PPh₂(dpppe): 16, X=Cl; 17, X=Br; 18, X=I) with palladium–NMe₂ bond cleavage. Treatment of 2, 3 and 4 with ditertiary diphosphines, in a cyclometallated complex–diphosphine 2:1, molar ratio and AgSO₃CF₃ gave the binuclear cyclometallated complexes [{Pd[C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂]}₂(μ-L–L)][F₃CSO₃]₂ (11: L–L=PPh₂(CH₂)₄PPh₂(dppb), X=Cl; 12: L–L=PPh₂(CH₂)₅PPh₂ (dpppe), X=Cl). Reaction of 2 with the ditertiary diphosphine cis-dppe in a cyclometallated complex–diphosphine 1:1 molar ratio followed by treatment with sodium perchlorate gave the mononuclear cyclometallated complex [Pd{C₆H₄C(H)=NCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂}(cis-PPh₂CH=CHPPh₂–P,P)][ClO₄] (19).     

Preparation,NMR studies and crystal structure of mononuclear and dinuclear Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes that contain 1,2-bis[3-(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)-2-thiapropyl]benzene

The reaction between 1,2-bis[3-(3,5-dimethyl-1-pyrazolyl)-2-thiapropyl]benzene (bddf) and [MCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] (M = Pd(II), Pt(II)) in a 1:1 M/L ratio in CH₂Cl₂ or acetonitrile solution, respectively, gave the complexes trans-[MCl₂(bddf)] (M = Pd(II) (1), Pt(II) (4)), and in a 2:1 M/L ratio led to [M₂Cl₄(bddf)] (M = Pd(II) (2), Pt(II) (5)). Treatment of 1 and 4 with AgBF₄ and NaBPh₄, respectively, gave the compounds [Pd(bddf)](BF₄)₂ (3) and [Pt(bddf)](BPh₄)₂ (6). When complexes 3 and 6 were heated under reflux in a solution of Et₄NBr in CH₂Cl₂/CH₃OH (1:1) for 24 h, analogous complexes to 1 and 4 with bromides instead of chlorides bonded to the metallic centre were obtained. These complexes were characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, infrared, ¹H, ¹H{¹⁹⁵Pt}, ¹³C{¹H}, ¹⁹⁵Pt{¹H} NMR, HSQC and NOESY spectroscopies. The X-ray crystal structure of the complex [Pd(bddf)](BF₄)₂ · H₂O has been determined. The metal atom is tetracoordinated by the two azine nitrogen atoms of the pyrazole rings and two thioether groups.     

Synthesis,spectroscopy, X-ray crystal structure,and DFT studies on a platinum(II) Schiff-base complex

[PtCl₂(SMe₂)₂] reacts with (N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine) to give (N,N′-bis(salicylidene)cyclohexane-1,2-diamine)platinum(II). The complex has been characterized by elemental analysis, infrared (IR), UV-Vis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Pt(II) is in a square-planar environment, coordinated by a chelating N₂O₂ donor. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations such as geometry optimization, vibrational frequency, electronic properties, and natural bond orbital (NBO) have been performed for the platinum compound using the OLYP method at TZP(6-311G*) basis set. The optimization calculation shows that the geometry parameters can be reproduced with the OLYP/TZP basis set. Experimental IR frequencies and calculated vibrational frequencies support each other. Time-dependent DFT has been used for absorption wavelengths and results were compared with experimental data. Moreover, NBO analysis has been performed.     

Synthesis and structure of highly substituted pyrazole ligands and their complexes with platinum(II) and palladium(II) metal ions

Reaction of 3-methoxycarbonyl-2-methyl- or 3-dimethoxyphosphoryl-2-methyl-substituted 4-oxo-4H-chromones 1 with N-methylhydrazine resulted in the formation of isomeric, highly substituted pyrazoles 4 (major products) and 5 (minor products). Intramolecular transesterification of 4 and 5 under basic conditions led, respectively, to tricyclic derivatives 7 and 8. The structures of pyrazoles 4a (dimethyl 2-methyl-4-oxo-4H-chromen-3-yl-phosphonate) and 4b (methyl 4-oxo-2-methyl-4H-chromene-3-carboxylate) were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Pyrazoles 4a and 4b were used as ligands (L) in the formation of ML₂Cl₂ complexes with platinum(II) or palladium(II) metal ions (M). Potassium tetrachloroplatinate(II), used as the metal ion reagent, gave both trans-[Pt(4a)₂Cl₂] and cis-[Pt(4a)₂Cl₂], complexes with ligand 4a, and only cis-[Pt(4b)₂Cl₂] isomer with ligand 4b. Palladium complexes were obtained by the reaction of bis(benzonitrile)dichloropalladium(II) with the test ligands. trans-[Pd(4a)₂Cl₂] and trans-[Pd(4b)₂Cl₂] were the exclusive products of these reactions. The structures of all the complexes were confirmed by IR, ¹H NMR and FAB MS spectral analysis, elemental analysis and Kurnakov tests.     

Crystal structure of bis(l-arginine)copper(II) hexachlorodimercurate, [Cu(l-Arg)2]Hg2Cl6

By means of X-ray diffraction the chain structure of [Cu(l-Arg)₂]Hg₂Cl₆ (monoclinic, a = 10.2348(9) Å, b = 9.1386(7) Å, c = 14.8521(14) Å, β = 97.455(11)°, space group P2₁) is established. The chains are formed by square-planar [Cu(l-Arg)₂]²⁺ cations of the type trans-[Cu(N)₂(O)₂] (l-Arg is the zwitter-ion of arginine; Cu-N 1.992 Å and 1.938(6) Å, Cu-O 1.953 Å and 1.967(4) Å) that are bonded to two adjacent binuclear [Cl₂Hg(μ-Cl)₂HgCl₂]^2? ions through its clorine atoms Cl (Hg-Cl bonds are within 2.34–2.78 Å). With these two additional Cu…Cl contacts Cu adopts the geometry of an elongated octahedron with two apical Cl (Cu-Cl 2.961 Å and 3.064(3) Å).     

Synthesis,characterization and in vitro cytotoxicity of platinum(II) complexes of selenones [Pt(selenone)2Cl2]

Platinum(II) complexes with various selenones (L) having the general formula [PtL₂Cl₂] were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis and, IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C, and ⁷⁷Se) spectroscopies. A decrease in the IR frequency of the >C=Se mode and an upfield shift in ¹³C NMR for the >C=Se resonance of selenones are consistent with their selenium coordination to platinum(II). The NMR data show that the complexes are stable in solution and do not undergo equilibration at 297 K. The geometrical structures of the complexes were predicted theoretically (with DFT method) using Gaussian09 program. DFT calculations predicted that the trans configurations were up to 1.7 kcal/mol more stable than the cis forms in gas phase, while in solution form the cis isomers were predicted to be more stable. The UV–vis spectra of the two complexes, 6 and 7 were also recorded at room temperature for 24 h and it was observed that the complexes were stable and did not undergo decomposition. The in vitro antitumor properties of the complexes as well as of cisplatin were evaluated on two human cancer cell lines, HeLa (cervical cancer cells) and MCF7 (breast cancer cells) using MTT assay. The results indicated that the prepared complexes exerted significant inhibition on the selected cancer cells.     

Zinc(II) and Cadmium(II) Metal Complexes with Bis(tetrazole) Ligands: Synthesis and Crystal Structures

Two new metal complexes [Zn( L¹ )]_n ( 1 ) and [Cd₃( L² )₂Cl₂(H2O)6]_n ( 2 ) (H₂ L¹ = 1,5‐bis(tetrazol‐5‐yl)‐3‐oxapentane, H₂ L² = bis(tetrazol‐5‐yl)methane) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Complex 1 was a 2‐D sheet constructed by L¹ and Zn(II) center, further assembled to form a three‐dimensional (3‐D) supramolecular networks through weak hydrogen‐bonding interactions. In the complex 2 , there were two unequivalent Cd(II) centers, and some of ligands L² adopted chelate coordination mode, and others adopted bridge coordination mode linking the Cd1 center and simultaneously bridging the Cd2 center, the Cl^‐ anions adopted μ₂ bridging mode, ligands L² and the Cl^‐ anions linked the Cd(II) centers to form a 3‐D supramolecular networks.     

Caesiumchloropalladat(II)‐hydrate – zwei neue Verbindungen mit kondensierten [Pd2Cl6]‐Baugruppen

Caesiumchloropalladate(II)‐hydrates – Two New Compounds with Condensed [Pd₂Cl₆] Groups We were able to synthesize two caesiumchloropalladate(II)‐hydrates in the CsCl/PdCl₂/H₂O system by hydrothermal methods. Both compounds show combination of monomeric and dimeric Pd–Cl groups. We characterized the crystal structures by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Cs₆Pd₅Cl₁₆ · 2 H₂O ( I ) crystallizes triclinic in space group type P1 (Nr. 2) with a = 8.972(1) Å, b = 11.359(1) Å, c = 18.168(1) Å, α = 83.61(1)°, β = 76.98(1)°, γ = 76.39(1)° and Z = 2, Cs₁₂Pd₉Cl₃₀ · 2 H₂O ( II ) monoclinic, space group type C2/m (No. 12) with a = 19.952(1) Å, b = 14.428(1) Å, c = 14.411(1) Å, β = 125.29(1)°, and Z = 2.     

Crystal structure, spectroscopy and magnetism of trinuclear nickel(II), cobalt(II) complexes and their solid solution

Four new complexes [Ni₃(μ-L)₆(H₂O)₆](NO₃)₆·6H₂O (1), [Co₃(μ-L)₆(H₂O)₆](NO₃)₆·6H₂O (2), [Ni₃(μ-L)₆(H₂O)₄(CH₃OH)₂](NO₃)₆·4H₂O (3), [Co₃(μ-L)₆(H₂O)₄(CH₃OH)₂](NO₃)₆·4H₂O (4) (L = 4-amino-3,5-dimethanyl-1,2,4-triazole) were synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The structural analyses show that complex 1 and 2 are isomorphous; complex 3 and 4 are isomorphous. Four complexes all consist of the linear trinuclear cations ([M₃(μ-L)₆(H₂O)₆]⁶⁺ (M = Ni,Co) for 1 and 2; [M₃(μ-L)₆(H₂O)₄(CH₃OH)₂]⁶⁺ (M = Ni,Co) for 3 and 4), NO₃⁻ anions and crystallized water molecules. In the trinuclear cations, the central M(II) ions and two terminal M(II) ions are bridged by three triazole ligands. Other eleven solid solution compounds which are isomorphous with complex 3 and 4 were obtained by using different ratio of Ni(II) and Co(II) ions as reactants and ICP result indicates that ligand L has higher selectivity of Ni(II) ions than that of Co(II) ions. The magnetic analysis was carried out by using the isotropic spin Hamiltonian ? = −2J(?₁?₂ + ?₂?₃) (for complexes 1 and 3) and simultaneously considering the temperature dependent g factor (for complexes 2 and 4). Both the UV-Vis spectra and the magnetic properties of the solid solutions can be altered systematically by adjusting the Co(II)/Ni(II) ratio.     

Interaction of copper(II) and palladium(II) with linked 2,2′-dipyridylamine derivatives: Synthetic and structural studies

Interaction of copper(II) salts with 2,2′-dipyridylamine (1), N-cyclohexylmethyl-2,2′-dipyridylamine (2), di-2-pyridylaminomethylbenzene (3), 1,2-bis(di-2-pyridylaminomethyl)-benzene (4), 1,3-bis(di-2-pyridylaminomethyl)benzene (5), 1,4-bis(di-2-pyridylaminomethyl)benzene (6), 1,3,5-tris(di-2-pyridylaminomethyl)benzene (7) and 1,2,4,5-tetrakis(di-2-pyridylaminomethyl)benzene (8) has yielded the following complexes: [Cu(2)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, [Cu(3)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ · H₂O, [Cu₂(4)(NO₃)₄], [Cu₂(5)(NO₃)₄] · 2CH₃OH, [Cu₂(6)(CH₃OH)₂(NO₃)₄], [Cu₄(8)](NO₃)₄] · 4H₂O while complexation of palladium(II) with 1, 4, 5 and 6 gave [Pd(1)₂](PF₆)₂ · 2CH₃OH, [Pd₂(4)Cl₄], [Pd₂(4)(OAc)₄], [Pd₂(5)Cl₄], [Pd₂(6)Cl₄] and [Pd₂(6)(OAc)₄] · CH₂Cl₂, respectively. X-ray structures of [Cu(2)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂, [Cu(3)(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ · 2C₂H₅OH, [Cu₂(6)(CH₃OH)₂(NO₃)₄], [Pd(1)₂](PF₆)₂ · 2CH₃OH, [Pd₂(4)(OAc)₄] · 4H₂O and [Pd₂(6)(OAc)₄] · 2CH₂Cl₂ are reported. In part, the inherent flexibility of the respective ligands has resulted in the adoption of a diverse range of coordination geometries and lattice arrangements, with the structures of [Pd₂(4)(OAc)₄] · 4H₂O and [Pd₂(6)(OAc)₄] · 2CH₂Cl₂, incorporating the isomeric ligands 4 and 6, showing some common features. Liquid–liquid (H₂O/CHCl₃) extraction experiments involving copper(II) and 1–3, 5, 7and 8 show that the degree of extraction depends markedly on the number of dpa-subunits (and concomitant lipophilicity) of the ligand employed with the tetrakis-dpa derivative 8 acting as the most efficient extractant of the six ligand systems investigated.     

Syntheses and characterization of nickel(II), zinc(II) and palladium(II) complexes derived from three pyrazole-based polydentate ligands

Two pyrazole-based polydentate ligands, 1,3-bis(5-methyl-3-phenylpyrazol-1-yl)-propan-2-ol (Hmppzpo) and 1,3-bis(5-methyl-3-p-isopropylphenylpyrazol-1-yl)-propan-2-ol (Hmcpzpo), have been synthesized. A third ligand, 1,3-bis(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-yl)-propan-2-ol (Hdmpzpo), has been synthetically modified. Seven new M(II) coordination compounds of general formula M₂L₂X₂ (M?=?Zn, Ni; X?=?NO₃ or ClO₄; L?=?dmpzpo, mppzpo or mcpzpo) or MLX (M?=?Pd; L?=?dmpzpo; X?=?Cl) were synthesized and structurally characterized by elemental analysis and FT-IR analysis. The crystal structures of [Zn₂(μ-dmpzpo-O,N,N′)₂(NO₃)₂]?·?2H₂O (1?·?2H₂O), [Ni₂(μ-dmpzpo-O,N,N′)₂(CH₃CN)₂](ClO₄)₂ (2) and Pd(μ-dmpzpo-N,N′)Cl₂ (4) were determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The crystal structures show that complexes 1?·?2H₂O and 2 are center-symmetric dinuclear compounds, with two metal ions bridged by two alkoxo groups and each metal ion with a distorted square-pyramidal environment. The palladium complex, 4, displayed square-planar coordination geometry around the Pd(II) ion with trans arrangement.     

Copper(II), palladium(II) and platinum(II) chloride complexes with 5-amino-2-tert-butyltetrazole: Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity

Complexes CuL₃Cl₂, PdL₂Cl₂ and PtL₂Cl₂, where L is a novel ligand from the series of 2-substituted 5-aminotetrazoles, namely 5-amino-2-tert-butyltetrazole (1), have been synthesized by the reaction of metal(II) chlorides with 1 and characterized by IR spectroscopy, thermal and X-ray analyses. The crystallographic structural analysis of these complexes revealed that 1 acts as a monodentate ligand coordinated to the metal via endocyclic N4 atom. Platinum complex demonstrates promising cytotoxicity against human cervical carcinoma cells with IC₅₀ value average between those of cisplatin and carboplatin.     

Copper(II) complexes of tridentate SNO ligands: synthesis,characterization and crystal structure

A new series of binary copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L)₂] (2) [where L is a monobasic tridentate methylthioazophenolate having NSO donor sets], has been synthesized. The reddish brown colored complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, spectroscopic and other physico-chemical tools. The detailed structure analysis of one of the complexes, [Cu(1a)₂] (2a), by single-crystal X-ray crystallography shows that thioether-S donor center participates in coordination with the copper(II) ion with a weak interaction with long Cu–S(thioether) bond distances [2.956(2) Å and 2.925(2) Å]. Electrochemical study of the complexes in methanol using TBAP as supporting electrolyte shows that heterogeneous electron-transfer rate is low at the applied potential.     

Synthesis,characterization, crystal structure and antiproliferative activity of platinum(II) complexes with 2-acetylpyridine-4-cyclohexyl-thiosemicarbazone

New platinum complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of Na₂PtCl₄ with 2-acetylpyridine-4-cyclohexyl-thiosemicarbazone, HAc4CyclHexyl (1). The new complexes [Pt(Ac4CyclHexyl)Cl] (2) and [Pt(Ac4CyclHexyl)₂] (3) have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic studies. The crystal structure of the complex [Pt(Ac4CyclHexyl)Cl] · DMF has been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The anion of Ac4CyclHexyl coordinates in a planar conformation to the central platinum(II) through the pyridyl N, azomethine N and thiolato S atoms. The crystal packing is determined by double intermolecular hydrogen interactions, π–π, Pt–C and Pt–π contacts. The cytotoxic activities of 1–3 have been evaluated for antiproliferative activity in vitro against the cells of three human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell line), T24 (bladder cancer cell line), A-549 (non-small cell lung carcinoma) and a mouse L-929 (a fibroblast-like cell line cloned from strain L). The compounds 1–3 display IC₅₀ values in a μM range better than that of the antitumor drug cisplatin and are considered as agents with potential antitumor activity candidates for further stages of screening in vitro and/or in vivo.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and DNA-binding properties of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes with dicationic 2,2′-dipyridyl derivatives as ligands

New Ru(II) complexes with dicationic ligand, [Ru(phen)₂L¹]⁴⁺(1) and [Ru(phen)₂L²]⁴⁺(2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; L: L¹ = 5,5′-di(1-(triethylammonio)methyl)-2,2′-dipyridyl cation; L² = 5,5′-di(1-(tributylammonio)methyl)-2,2′-dipyridyl cation) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated. The intrinsic binding constants (K_b: 1, 7.73 × 10⁴ M⁻¹; 2, 2.50 × 10⁴ M⁻¹) determined by absorption spectral titrations of these complexes with CT-DNA indicate the DNA-binding affinity of 1 is stronger than that of 2. Both complexes can display luminescence either alone in aqueous solution or in the presence of DNA. Equilibrium dialysis experiments monitored by CD spectroscopy reveal the preferential binding of the Δ-enantiomer to the right-handed CT-DNA. DNA-viscosity studies suggest that the binding modes are different, 1 may partially intercalate between DNA base-pairs while 2 most likely interact with DNA in an electrostatic binding mode.