Analysis of vibrational spectra (FT-IR and VCD) and nonlinear optical properties of [Ru(L)3]2+ complexes

Density functional theory calculations were performed on [Ru(L)₃]²⁺ (L = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,2′-bipyridine, 2,2′-bipyrimidine, 2,2′-bipyrazine) complexes by employing B3PW91 functional and LAN2DZ basis set to predict their spectra and nonlinear optical response. The geometrical and coordination energy studies explained that the stability of [Ru(L)₃]²⁺ metal complexes depends on the extent of interaction of the dπ orbitals of Ru²⁺ with the π* ligand orbitals, which is maximum for 1,10-phenanthroline. The two enantiomers of the [Ru(L)₃]²⁺ show IR absorption peaks in the region of 1100–1800 cm^?1, and a slight shift occurs to lower frequency by solvent. The vibrational circular dichroism peaks of [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ had major contribution from out-of-phase stretching of 1,10-phenanthroline rings and a minor contribution from H–C=C–H wagging and C=C stretching of rings. Maximum hyperpolarizability was observed for [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ due to stronger anharmonicity in the π-electron system. Among the [Ru(L)₃]²⁺ (L = bpy, bpm, and bpz) complexes, [Ru(bpm)₃]²⁺ shows enhanced hyperpolarizability due to increase in the dipole along the X-direction. In derivative Ru²⁺ complexes, we found that hyperpolarizability depends on electron-donating capability of the substituent. As per FMOs study, the HOMO is predominantly metal fragment based, the LUMO is primarily ligand based, and the larger value of hyperpolarizability corresponds to the lower E_LUMO–E_HOMO gap, reflecting that nonlinear optical response is a consequence of additive dipolar responses of charge transfer and hyperpolarizability.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and DNA Interaction Studies of the Ruthenium(II) Complexes [Ru(bpy)2(ipbp)]2+ and [Ru(ipbp)(phen)2]2+ (ipbp=3‐(1H‐Imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthrolin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐2‐one; bpy=2,2′‐Bipyridine; phen=1,10‐Phenanthroline)

A novel ligand 3‐(1H‐imidazo[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthrolin‐2‐yl)‐4H‐1‐benzopyran‐4‐one (ipbp) and its ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(ipbp)]²⁺ ( 1 ) and [Ru(ipbp)(phen)₂]²⁺ ( 2 ) (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and mass, ¹H‐NMR, and electronic‐absorption spectroscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the complexes was studied by cyclic voltammetry. The DNA‐binding behavior of the complexes was investigated by spectroscopic methods and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that complexes 1 and 2 bind with calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode. In addition, 1 and 2 promote cleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA from the supercoil form I to the open circular form II upon irradiation.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and DNA‐Binding Properties of the Chiral Ruthenium(II) Complexes Δ‐ and Λ‐[Ru(bpy)2(dmppd)]2+ (dmppd = 10,12‐Dimethylpteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione; bpy = 2,2′‐Bipyridine)

Two novel chiral ruthenium(II) complexes, Δ‐[Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ and Λ‐[Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ (dmppd = 10,12‐dimethylpteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H‐NMR and ES‐MS. The DNA‐binding behaviors of both complexes were studied by UV/VIS absorption titration, competitive binding experiments, viscosity measurements, thermal DNA denaturation, and circular‐dichroism spectra. The results indicate that both chiral complexes bind to calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode, and the Δ enantiomer shows larger DNA affinity than the Λ enantiomer does. Theoretical‐calculation studies for the DNA‐binding behaviors of these complexes were carried out by the density‐functional‐theory method. The mechanism involved in the regulating and controlling of the DNA‐binding abilities of the complexes was further explored by the comparative studies of [Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ and of its parent complex [Ru(bpy)₂(ppd)]²⁺ (ppd = pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13 (10H,12H)‐dione).     

Stereoselective association between optically active tris(1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) and tris(acetylacetonato)cobalt(III) in water

Stereoselective interactions between tris(acetylacetonato)cobalt(III) [Co(acac)₃] and optically active Λ-(+)₅₄₆-tris(1,10-phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) chloride [Λ-[Ru(phen)₃]Cl₂] were investigated by measuring the distribution coefficients of racemic Co(acac)₃ between carbon tetrachloride and water containing Λ-[Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ or pure water, and the optical rotations of the aqueous phase was measured over the temperature range 10–40° C. The Λ-isomer of Co(acac)₃ is “salted-in” more strongly by Λ-[Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ than the Δ-isomer. The association constants between Λ-[Ru(phen)]²⁺ and Λ- or Δ-Co(acac)₃ were calculated by using the optical rotation to give K(Λ-Λ) = 3.86 and K(Λ-Δ) = 3.80 at 25°C, respectively. The temperature dependence of the association constants showed that the enthalpy and entropy changes for the Λ-Λ association is slightly more positive than those for the Λ-Δ association. This was discussed from the viewpoint of hydrophobic interactions.     

Stabilization of G‐Quadruplex DNA,Inhibition of Telomerase Activity and Live Cell Imaging Studies of Chiral Ruthenium(II) Complexes

Telomerase inhibition is an attractive strategy for cancer chemotherapy. In the current study, we have synthesized and characterized two chiral ruthenium(II) complexes, namely, Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ and Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺, where phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline and p‐MOPIP is 2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐imidazo[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline. The chiral selectivity of the compounds and their ability to discriminate quadruplex DNA were investigated by using UV/Vis, fluorescence spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, fluorescence resonance energy transfer melting assay, polymerase chain reaction stop assay and telomerase repeat amplification protocol. The results indicate that the two chiral compounds could induce and stabilize the formation of antiparallel G‐quadruplexes of telomeric DNA in the presence or absence of metal cations. We report the remarkable ability of the two complexes Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ and Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ to stabilize selectively G‐quadruplex DNA; the former is a better G‐quadruplex binder than the latter. The anticancer activities of these complexes were evaluated by using the MTT assay. Interestingly, the antiproliferative activity of Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ was higher than that of Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺, and Λ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ showed a significant antitumor activity in HepG2 cells. The status of the nuclei in Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺‐treated HepG2 cells was investigated by using real‐time living cell microscopy to determine the effects of Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ on intracellular accumulation. The results show that Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺ can be taken up by HepG2 cells and can enter into the cytoplasm as well as accumulate in the nuclei; this suggests that the nuclei were the cellular targets of Λ/Δ‐[Ru(phen)₂(p‐MOPIP)]²⁺.     

New mixed ligand complexes of ruthenium(II) that incorporate a modified phenanthroline ligand: Synthesis, spectral characterization and DNA binding

The hexafluorophosphate and chloride salts of two ruthenium(II) complexes, viz. [Ru(phen)(ptzo)₂]² and [Ru(ptzo)₃]²⁺, where ptzo = 1,10-phenanthrolino[5,6-e]1,2,4-triazine-3-one (ptzo) — a new modified phenanthroline (phen) ligand, have been synthesised. These complexes have been characterised by infrared, UV-Vis, steady-state emission and¹H NMR spectroscopic methods. Results of absorption and fluorescence titration as well as thermal denaturation studies reveal that both thebis- and tris-complexes of ptzo show moderately strong affinity for binding with calf thymus (CT) DNA with the binding constants being close to 10⁵M^-1 in each case. An intercalative mode of DNA binding has been suggested for both the complexes. Emission studies carried out in non-aqueous solvents and in aqueous media without DNA reveal that both [Ru(phen)(ptzo)₂]²⁺ and [Ru(ptzo)₃]²⁺ are weakly luminescent under these solution conditions. Successive addition of CT DNA to buffered aqueous solutions containing [Ru(phen)(ptzo)₂]²⁺results in an enhancement of the emission. These results have been discussed in the light of the dependence of the structure-specific deactivation processes of the MLCT state of the metallo-intercalator with the characteristic features of its DNA interaction. In doing so, attempts have been made to compare and contrast its properties with those of the analogous phenanthroline-based complexes including the ones reported by us previously.     

一系列Ru(II)配合物电致化学发光性质的比较研究

比较研究了以C₂O₄^2－为共反应物时5个结构相关的Ru(II)配合物[Ru(bpy)₂L¹]^2＋, [Ru(bpy)₂L²]^2＋, [Ru(bpy)₂L³]^2＋, [Ru(phen)₂L¹]^2＋和[Ru(phen)₂L²]^2＋(其中bpy＝2,2′-联吡啶, phen＝1,10-邻菲啰啉, L¹＝4-羧基苯基咪唑[4,5-f][1,10]邻菲啰啉, L²＝3-羧基-4-羟基苯基咪唑[4,5-f][1,10]邻菲啰啉, L³＝3,4-二羟基苯基咪唑[4,5-f][1,10]邻菲啰啉)的电致化学发光(ECL)性质. 结果表明, 酚羟基的存在能有效地淬灭Ru(II)配合物[Ru(bpy)₂L²]^2＋, [Ru(bpy)₂L³]^2＋和[Ru(phen)₂L²]^2＋的ECL, 其它Ru(II)配合物的ECL量子效率与[Ru(bpy)₃]^2＋相差不大.     

Synthesis,DNA‐Binding and Photocleavage Studies of the Ruthenium(II) Complexes [Ru(phen)2(ppd)]2+ and [Ru(phen)(ppd)2]2+ (ppd=Pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione,phen=1,10‐Phenanthroline)

Two new complexes, [Ru(phen)₂(ppd)]²⁺ ( 1 ) and [Ru(phen)(ppd)₂]²⁺ ( 2 ) (ppd=pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione, phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by ES‐MS, ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. The intercalative DNA‐binding properties of 1 and 2 were investigated by absorption‐spectroscopy titration, luminescence‐spectroscopy studies, thermal denaturation, and viscosity measurements. The theoretical aspects were further discussed by comparative studies of 1 and 2 by means of DFT calculations and molecular‐orbital theory. Photoactivated cleavage of pBR322 DNA by the two complexes were also studied, and 2 was found to be a much better photocleavage reagent than 1 . The mechanism studies revealed that singlet oxygen and the excited‐states redox potentials of the complex may play an important role in the DNA photocleavage.     

Photophysical Properties and Heterogeneous Photoredox Catalytic Activities of Ru(bpy)3@InBTB Metal–Organic Framework (MOF)

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) with negatively charged frameworks are suitable for selectively encapsulating cationic guest ions via a cation-exchange process. Encapsulating photoactive [RuL₃]²⁺ polypyridine complexes into the preorganized mesoscale channels of a MOF is a good method for stabilizing the excited states of the complexes. Three new RuL₃@InBTB MOFs were prepared by encapsulating cationic [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine), [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ (phen=1,10-phenanthroline), and [Ru(bpz)₃]²⁺ (bpz=2,2′-bipyrazine) into the mesopores of a three-dimensional (3D) InBTB MOF (H₃BTB=1,3,5-benzenetribenzoic acid). The photophysical properties of the resulting materials were investigated by photoluminescence (PL) analysis. The photoredox catalytic activities were also investigated for the aza-Henry reaction, hydrogenation of dimethyl maleate, and decomposition of methyl orange under visible light irradiation at room temperature. RuL₃@InBTB MOFs were found to be very stable and highly recyclable photoredox catalytic systems.     

Evidence for symmetry reduction in excited states of [Ru(bpy)3]+ and related compounds

Photoselection and other spectroscopic data for [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺, [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺, [Ru(bpy)(py)₄]²⁺ and [Os(bpy)₃]²⁺ suggest that the emitting state for the tris compounds may be localized on a single ring.     

Experimental and DFT Studies on the DNA-binding Properties of Ruthenium(II) Complexes [Ru(phen)2L]2+(L = o-MOP, o-MP, o-CP and o-NP)

A series of ruthenium(II) complexes with electron-donor or electron-acceptor groups in intercalative ligands, [Ru(phen)₂(o-MOP)]²⁺ (1), [Ru(phen)₂(o-MP)]²⁺ (2), [Ru(phen)₂(o-CP)]²⁺ (3) and [Ru(phen)₂(o-NP)]²⁺ (4), have been synthesized and characterized by elementary analysis, ES-MS, ¹H NMR, electronic absorption and emission spectra. The binding properties of these complexes to CT-DNA have been investigated by spectroscopy and viscosity experiments. The results showed that these complexes bind to DNA in intercalation mode and their intrinsic binding constants (K_b) are 1.1, 0.35, 0.53 and 1.7 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, respectively. The subtle but detectable differences occurred in the DNA-binding properties of these complexes are mainly ascribed to the electron-withdrawing abilities of substituents (–OCH₃ < –CH₃ < –Cl < –NO₂) on the intercalative ligands as well as the intramolecular H-bond (for substituent –OCH₃) which increase the planarity area of the intercalative ligand to some extent. The density functional theory (DFT) calculations were also performed and used to further discuss the trend in the DNA-binding affinities of these complexes.     

A three‐dimensional net of Δ‐tris(1,10‐phenanthroline)ruthenium(II) in the dual‐metal self‐assembly of bis[tris(1,10‐phenanthroline)ruthenium(II)] tetraisothiocyanatoiron(II) bis(perchlorate)

The title compound, [Ru(C₁₂H₈N₂)₃]₂[Fe(NCS)₄](ClO₄)₂, crystallizes in a tetragonal chiral space group (P4₁2₁2) and the assigned absolute configuration of the optically active molecules was unequivocally confirmed. The Δ‐[Ru^II(phen)₃]²⁺ complex cations (phen is 1,10‐phenanthroline) interact along the 4₁ screw axis parallel to the c axis, with an Ru...Ru distance of 10.4170 (6) Å, and in the ab plane, with Ru...Ru distances of 10.0920 (6) and 10.0938 (6) Å, defining a primitive cubic lattice. The Fe atom is situated on the twofold axis diagonal in the ab plane. The supramolecular architecture is supported by C—H...O interactions between the [Ru^II(phen)₃]²⁺ cation and the disordered perchlorate anion. This study adds to the relatively scarce knowledge about intermolecular interactions between [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ ions in the solid state, knowledge that eventually may also lead to a better understanding of the solution state interactions of this species; these are of immense interest because of the photochemical properties of these ions and their interactions with DNA.     

Improved syntheses of Ru(CO)2 (O3SCF3)2 (bidentate) complexes and their conversion into new [Ru(CO)2 (bidentate)2]2+ complexes

Reaction of the complexes Ru(CO)₂Cl₂L [L = 2,2′-bipyridyl (bpy) or 1,10-phenanthroline (phen)] with trifluoromethanesulphonic acid under carefully controlled conditions yields Ru[cis-(CO)₂] [cis-(O₃SCF₃)₂] (bidentate complexes. From reactions of the trifluoromethanesulphonates with the appropriate bidentate ligands, the new complexes [cis-Ru(CO)₂-L(L′)]²⁺ (L as above; L′ = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridyl or 4,4′-diisopropyl-2,2′-bipyridyl) as well as the known [_cis-Ru(CO)₂L₂]²⁺ and [cis-Ru(CO)₂bpy(phen)]²⁺ have been prepared.     

Spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical differences between racemic and enantiomeric [Ru(phen)3] ions intercalated into layered niobate K4Nb6O17

Chirality effects have been observed in the intercalation, spectroscopic and photoelectrochemical behavior when enantiomeric and racemic [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ complexes were intercalated in the interlayer spaces of K₄Nb₆O₁₇. The results were interpreted in terms of a [Nb₆O₁₇]⁴⁻-chelate and chelate–chelate interactions. The faster luminescence decay and higher photocurrent of the enantiomeric [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺–K₄Nb₆O₁₇ compounds than the racemic ones suggest that the emission of adsorbed [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ ions was not only quenched by adsorbed complexes (or concentration quenching) but also by the semiconductive host lattices.     

Experimental and Theoretical Studies on DNA‐Binding and Spectral Properties of ‘Light Switch’ Complexes [Ru(L)2(ppn)]2+ (L=2,2′‐Bipyridine and 1,10‐Phenanthroline; ppn=Pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13‐diamine)

The ligand pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13‐diamine (ppn) and its Ru^II complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(ppn)]²⁺ ( 1 ; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) and [Ru(phen)₂(ppn)]²⁺ ( 2 ; phen=1,10‐phenanthroline) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electrospray MS, ¹H‐NMR, and cyclic voltammetry. The DNA‐binding behaviors of 1 and 2 were studied by spectroscopic and viscosity measurements. The results indicate that both complexes strongly bind to calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode, with DNA‐binding constants K_b of (1.7±0.4)?10⁶ M ^?1 and (2.6±0.2)?10⁶ M ^?1, respectively. The complexes 1 and 2 exhibit excellent DNA‐‘light switch’ performances, i.e., they do not (or extremely weakly) show luminescence in aqueous solution at room temperature but are strongly luminescent in the presence of DNA. In particular, the experimental results suggest that the ancillary ligands bpy and phen not only have a significant effect on the DNA‐binding affinities of 1 and 2 but also have a certain effect on their spectral properties. [Ru(phen)₂(ppn)]²⁺( 2 ) might be developed into a very prospective DNA‐‘light switch’ complex. To explain the DNA‐binding and spectral properties of 1 and 2 , theoretical calculations were also carried out applying the DFT/TDDFT method.     

Unusual sandwich platinum(II) complex: [Pt(phen)2]2+ cation between two Pt(phen)(OOCMe)2 molecules

New carboxylate platinum(II) complexes: syn and anti isomers of Pt(phen)(OOCMe)₂ molecular complex, [Pt(phen)(NCMe)₂](O₃SCF₃)₂, as well as unusual sandwich complex [Pt(phen)₂]²⁺ · 2syn-[Pt(phen)(OOCMe)₂] where [Pt(phen)₂]²⁺ cation is inserted between two syn-Pt(phen)(OOCMe)₂ molecules were synthesized and structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis. As distinct from syn- and anti-Pt(phen)(OOCMe)₂ and [Pt(phen)(NCMe)₂](O₃SCF₃)₂ complexes with flat phenanthroline ligand, the phen ligands in [Pt(phen)₂]²⁺ cation have a curved configuration. Comparative DFT analysis of geometry of model structures phen, phen⁺, phenH⁺, and [Ptphen₂] ⁿ⁺ (n = 1, 2) showed that electron removal from phen molecule had no effect on its geometry in both free state and platinum(II) complexes.     

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.     

Study of the interaction between ruthenium(II) complexes and CT-DNA: synthesis,characterisation, photocleavage and antimicrobial activity studies

Two polypyridyl ligands 6-fluro-3-(1H-imidazo [4,5-f] [1,10]-phenanthroline-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one (FIPC), 6-chloro-3-(1H-imidazo [4,5-f] [1,10]-phenanthroline-2-yl)-4H-chromen-4-one (ClIPC) polypyridyl ligands and their Ru(II) complexes [Ru(bipy)₂FIPC]²⁺(1), [Ru(dmb)₂FIPC]²⁺(2), [Ru(phen)₂FIPC]²⁺(3), [Ru(bipy)₂ClIPC]²⁺(4), [Ru(dmb)₂ClIPC]²⁺(5) and [Ru(phen)₂ClIPC]²⁺(6) ((bipy = 2,2′-bipyridine, dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis, Mass spectra, IR, ¹H and ¹³C-NMR. The DNA-binding of the six complexes to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated by different spectrophotometric, fluorescence and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that 1–6 complexes bind to CT-DNA through intercalation. The variation in binding affinities of these complexes is rationalised by a consideration of electrostatic, steric factors and nature of ancillary ligands. Under irradiation at 365 nm, the three complexes have also been found to promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR 322 DNA. Inhibitor studies suggest that singlet oxygen (¹O₂) plays a significant role in the cleavage mechanism of Ru(II) complexes. Thereby, under comparable experimental conditions [Ru(phen)₂FIPC]²⁺(3), [Ru(phen)₂ClIPC]²⁺(6) cleaves DNA more effectively than 1, 2, 4 and 5 complexes do. The Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes (1–6) have been screened for antimicrobial activities.     

LIGAND-EXCHANGE REACTION BETWEEN TRIS(1,10-PHENANTHROLINE)METAL(II) AND TRIS(4,7-DIPHENYL-1,10-PHENANTHROLINE)METAL(II) IONS

Abstract

The ligand exchange reaction between [M(phen)₃]²⁺ and [M(DIP)₃]²⁺ (where M is the same and M = Fe^II or Ni^II, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, DIP = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline) has been investigated by reversed phase ion-paired chromatography (RP-IPC). The effect of pH and solvent on the ligand-exchange reaction is studied by monitoring the variation in chromatograms with time after mixing. The results have shown that the ligand exchange reaction between [M(phen)₃]²⁺ and [M(DIP)₃]²⁺ takes place in the pH range of 3–8 and the rate of reaction for nickel(II) complexes is about two times slower than that for iron(II) complexes. Experiments on the effect of various solvents on the ligand-exchange reaction have revealed that the rate of reaction is enhanced by the solvent in the following order: (CH₃)₂CO > CHCl₃ ≥ CH₂Cl₂ > CH₃CN > CH₃OH. Elemental analysis and UV-visible spectroscopy confirmed that the products obtained from the ligand-exchange reaction are mixed-ligand complexes containing phen and DIP ligands, i.e., [M(phen)₂(DIP)]²⁺ and [M(phen)(DIP)₂]²⁺.     

Synthesis, characterization and interaction with DNA of ruthenium(II) mixed-ligand complexes containing pyridino[3,2-f] [1,7]phenanthroline

Summary A series of new complexes [RuL₂(pdphen)]²⁺, where pdphen is the planar ligand pyridino[3,2-f] [1,7]phenanthroline and L = 2,2-bipyridine, phenanthroline, 2,9-dimethylphenanthroline or 5-nitrophenanthroline, were prepared and characterized. The binding of [RuL₂-(pdphen)] ²⁺ to calf thymus DNA was investigated using absorption, fluorescence and circular dichroism (c.d.) spectroscopies. All of the complexes show absorption hypochromicity associated with binding to calf thymus DNA. [Ru(bipy)₂pdphen]²⁺ and [Ru(phen)₂pdphen]²⁺ also show fluorescence intensities and excited state life-time increases. The c.d. spectra of dialyzates from solutions of racemic complexes versus calf thymus DNA indicate enantioselectivity associated with binding to DNA.