Synthesis,characterization, and DNA binding of ruthenium(II) complexes with 2-benzo[b] furan-2-yl-1H-imidazo[4,5f][1,10]phenanthroline as an intercalative ligand

DNA-binding properties of a number of ruthenium complexes with different polypyridine ligands are reported. The new polypyridine ligand BFIP (=2-benzo[b] furan-2-yl-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) and its ruthenium complexes [Ru(bpy)₂BFIP]²⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine), [Ru(dmb)₂BFIP]²⁺ (dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), and [Ru(phen)₂BFIP]²⁺ (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectra, IR, UV-Vis, ¹H- and ¹³C-NMR, and cyclic voltammetry. The DNA binding of these complexes to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by spectrophotometric, fluorescence, and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that ruthenium(II) complexes bind to CT-DNA through intercalation. Photocleavage of pBR 322 DNA by these complexes was also studied, and [Ru(phen)₂BFIP]²⁺ was found to be a much better photocleavage agent than the other two complexes.     

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, photocleavage,antimicrobial activity and DNA binding of [Co(bpy)2MHPIP]3+, [Co(dmb)2MHPIP]3+, and [Co(phen)2MHPIP]3+ complexes

4-Methyl-2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline) (MHPIP) and its complexes [Co(bpy)₂MHPIP]³⁺ (1) (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine), [Co(dmb)₂MHPIP]³⁺ (2) (dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), and [Co(phen)₂MHPIP]³⁺ (3) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by UV/VIS, IR, EA, ¹H, ¹³C-NMR, and mass spectra. The binding of the three complexes with calf-thymus-DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated by absorption and emission spectroscopy, DNA-melting techniques, viscosity measurements, and DNA cleavage assay. The spectroscopic data and viscosity results indicate that these complexes bind to CT-DNA via an intercalative mode. The complexes also promote photocleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA and were screened for antimicrobial activity.     

Hetero‐ and homo‐leptic Ru(II) catalyzed synthesis of cyclic carbonates from CO2; Synthesis,spectroscopic characterization and electrochemical properties

Based on the a ligand BDPPZ [(9a,13a‐dihydro‐4,5,9,14‐tetraaza‐benzo[b]triphenylene‐11‐yl)‐phenyl‐methanone] (1) and its polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂L](PF₆)₂ (2), [Ru(phen)₂L](PF₆)₂ (3), [Ru(dafo)₂L](PF₆)₂ (4), [Ru(dcbpy)₂L](PF₆)₂ (5) and [RuL₃](PF₆)₂ (6) (where, L = ligand, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, phen = 1,10‐phenantroline, dafo = 4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐one and dcbpy = 3,3′‐dicarboxy‐2,2′‐bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV–vis, FT‐IR, ¹H and ¹³C‐NMR spectra (for ligand), molar conductivity measurements and X‐ray powder techniques. The electrochemical parameters of the substituted ligand and its polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes are reported by cyclic voltammetry. UV–vis spectroscopy is used to compare the differences between the conjugated π systems in this ligand and its Ru(II) metal complexes. The polypyridyl hetero‐ and homoleptic Ru(II) metal complexes also tested as catalysts for the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from carbon dioxide and liquid epoxides which served as both reactant and solvent. The results showed that the [Ru(L)₃](PF₆)₂ (6) complex is more efficient than the other Ru(II) complexes for the formation of cyclic organic carbonates from carbon dioxide. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigation of DNA/BSA binding of three Ru(II) complexes by various spectroscopic methods,molecular docking and their antimicrobial activity

An intercalative ligand, ppip (ppip = {2-(4-(piperidin-1-yl)phenyl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline}), and its mononuclear Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(phen)₂(ppip)]²⁺ (1) (phen=1,10-phenanthrolene), [Ru(bpy)₂(ppip)]²⁺ (2) (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine) and [Ru(dmb)₂(ppip)]²⁺ (3) (dmb=4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques such as UV–vis, IR, ¹H, as well as ¹³C NMR and ESI-MS. The interaction of these complexes with DNA/BSA (bovine serum albumin) was investigated using absorption, emission spectroscopy, viscosity measurements and molecular docking studies. The docking study infers that the binding strength (K_b) of these complexes was in agreement with results from absorption and emission techniques. These studies reveal that these three Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes bind to DNA/BSA. The binding ability of these complexes in the presence of different ions and solvents were also reported. All complexes were effectively cleaving pBR322 DNA in different forms and follows order which is similar to absorption and emission studies. These complexes were effective exhibiting the antimicrobial activity against different microbes Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus.     

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.     

Effect of substituents on DNA-binding behaviors of ruthenium(II) complexes: [Ru(dmb)2(dtmi)]2+ and [Ru(dmb)2(dtni)]2+

Two Ru(II) complexes [Ru(dmb)₂(dtmi)](ClO₄)₂ (1) (dmb = 4, 4′-dimethyl-2, 2′-bipyridine, dtmi = 3-(pyrazin-2-yl)-as-triazino[5, 6-f]-5-methoxylisatin) and [Ru(dmb)₂(dtni)](ClO₄)₂ (2) (dtni = 3-(pyrazin-2-yl)-as-triazino[5, 6-f]-5-nitroisatin) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ES-MS, and ¹H NMR. DNA-binding behaviors of these complexes have been investigated by spectroscopic titration, viscosity measurements, and thermal denaturation. The results indicate that the two complexes interact with calf thymus DNA by intercalation.     

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).     

Effect of the ancillary ligands on the binding of ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(dmp)2(MCMIP)]2+ and [Ru(dmb)2(MCMIP)]2+ with DNA

Two polypyridine ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(dmp)₂(MCMIP)]²⁺ (1) (MCMIP = 2-(6-methyl-3-chromonyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]-phenanthroline, dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline) and [Ru(dmb)₂(MCMIP)]²⁺ (2) (dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ES-MS and ¹H NMR. The DNA-binding behaviors of these complexes were investigated by electronic absorption titration, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurements and thermal denaturation. The results show that 1 and 2 effectively bind to CT-DNA; the DNA-binding affinities are closely related to the ancillary ligand.     

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.     

1H NMR assignment corrections and 1H, 13C, 15N NMR coordination shifts structural correlations in Fe(II), Ru(II) and Os(II) cationic complexes with 2,2′‐bipyridine and 1,10‐phenanthroline

¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁵N NMR studies of iron(II), ruthenium(II) and osmium(II) tris‐chelated cationic complexes with 2,2′‐bipyridine and 1,10‐phenanthroline of the general formula [M(LL)₃]²⁺ (M = Fe, Ru, Os; LL = bpy, phen) were performed. Inconsistent literature ¹H signal assignments were corrected. Significant shielding of nitrogen‐adjacent protons [H(6) in bpy, H(2) in phen] and metal‐bonded nitrogens was observed, being enhanced in the series Ru(II) → Os(II) → Fe(II) for ¹H, Fe(II) → Ru(II) → Os(II) for ¹⁵N and bpy → phen for both nuclei. The carbons are deshielded, the effect increasing in the order Ru(II) → Os(II) → Fe(II). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Bis(4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) ruthenium (II) Complexes Containing 2‐Arylimidazo‐ [4,5‐f] [1,10] phenanthroline: Syntheses,Characterization and Third‐order Nonlinear Optical Properties

Four novel mononuclear ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(dmb)₂L]²⁺ [dmb = 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine, L = imidazo‐[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline (IP), 2‐phenylimidazo‐[4,5‐f][1,10]phenanthroline (PIP), 2‐(4′‐hydroxyphenyl)imidazo‐[4,5‐f] [1,10] phenanthroline (HOP), 2‐(4′‐dimethylaminophenyl) imidazo‐[4, 5‐f] [1,10] phenanthroline (DMNP)] were synthesized and characterized by ES‐MS, ¹H NMR, UV‐vis and electrochemistry. The nonlinear optical properties of the ruthenium(II) complexes were investigated by Z‐scan techniques with 12 ns laser pulse at 540 nm, and all of them exhibit both nonlinear optical (NLO) absorption and self‐defocusing effect. The corresponding effective NLO susceptibility |x³| of the complexes is in the range of 2.68 × 10^?12‐4.57 × 10^?12 esu.     

Luminescent Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes as Nonviral Carriers for DNA Delivery

Two new luminescent ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes, [Ru(bpy)₂(tpt‐phen)]Cl₂ ( 1 ; bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine, tpt‐phen=triptycenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline) and [Ru(phen)₂(tpt‐phen)]Cl₂ ( 2 ; phen=1,10‐phenanthroline), have been developed as potential nonviral vectors for DNA delivery. Photophysical and electrochemical properties of the complexes have been investigated and corroborated with electronic structure calculations. DNA condensation by these complexes has been investigated by UV/Vis and emission spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, dynamic light scattering, confocal microscopy, and electrophoretic mobility studies. These complexes interact with DNA and efficiently condense DNA into globular nanoparticles that are taken up efficiently by HeLa cells. DNA cleavage inability and biocompatibility of complexes have been explored. Both complexes have good gene transfection abilities.     

Electron Localization Dynamics in the Triplet Excited State of [Ru(bpy)3]2+ in Aqueous Solution

Hybrid DFT/classical molecular dynamics of the long‐lived triplet excited state of [Ru(bpy)₃]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′‐bipyridine) in aqueous solution is used to investigate the solvent‐mediated electron localization and dynamics in the triplet metal‐to‐ligand charge‐transfer (MLCT) state. Our studies reveal a solvent‐induced breaking of the coordination symmetry with consequent localization of the photoexcited electron on one or two bipyridine units for the entire length of our simulation, which amounts to several picoseconds. Frequent electronic “hops” between the ligands constituting the pair are observed with a characteristic time of approximately half a picosecond.     

Synthesis,DNA interaction and photocleavage studies of ruthenium(II) complexes with 2-(pyrrole) imidazo[4,5-f]-1,10-phenanthroline as an intercalative ligand

Three Ru(II) complexes, namely [Ru(bipy)₂PRIP]²⁺ (1), [Ru(dmb)₂PRIP]²⁺ (2), and [Ru(phen)₂PRIP]²⁺ (3) (dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine; PRIP = 2-(pyrrole) imidazo [4,5-f]-1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectra, IR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR. The DNA-binding properties of the three complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were investigated by spectrophotometry, fluorescence methods and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that all three complexes bind to CT-DNA through intercalation. Also, when irradiated at 365 nm, the three complexes promote the photocleavage of plasmid pBR-322 DNA. Under comparable experimental conditions, complex 3 cleaves DNA more effectively than complexes 1 and 2.     

Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding studies of ruthenium(II) mixed-ligand complexes containing dipyrido[1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline

A novel ligand dipyrido[1,2,5]oxadiazolo[3,4-b]quinoxaline (dpoq) and its complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(dpoq)]²⁺ and [Ru(phen)₂(dpoq)]²⁺ (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electrospray mass spectra and ¹H NMR. The interaction of Ru(II) complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) was investigated by absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, thermal denaturation and viscosity measurements. Results suggest that two Ru(II) complexes bind to DNA via an intercalative mode.     

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.     

Metallomacrocycles with a Difference: Macrocyclic Complexes with Exocyclic Ruthenium(II)‐Containing Domains

The templated synthesis of organic macrocycles containing rings of up to 96 atoms and three 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) units is described. Starting with the bpy‐centred ligands 5,5′‐bis[3‐(1,4‐dioxahept‐6‐enylphenyl)]‐2,2′‐bipyridine and 5,5′‐bis[3‐(1,4,7‐trioxadec‐9‐enylphenyl)]‐2,2′‐bipyridine, we have applied Grubbs’ methodology to couple the terminal alkene units of the coordinated ligands in [FeL₃]²⁺ complexes. Hydrogenation and demetallation of the iron(II)‐containing macrocyclic complexes results in the isolation of large organic macrocycles. The latter bind {Ru(bpy)₂} units to give macrocyclic complexes with exocyclic ruthenium(II)‐containing domains. The complex [Ru(bpy)₂(L)]²⁺ (isolated as the hexafluorophosphate salt), in which L=5,5′‐bis[3‐(1,4,7,10‐tetraoxatridec‐12‐enylphenyl)]‐2,2′‐bipyridine, undergoes intramolecular ring‐closing metathesis to yield a macrocycle which retains the exocyclic {Ru(bpy)₂} unit. The poly(ethyleneoxy) domains in the latter macrocycle readily scavenge sodium ions, as proven by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and atomic absorption spectroscopy data for the bulk sample. In addition to the new compounds, a series of model complexes have been fully characterized, and representative single‐crystal X‐ray structural data are presented for iron(II) and ruthenium(II) acyclic and macrocyclic species.     

DNA interaction studies of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complex : [Ru(dmb)2(ITAP)](ClO4)2 (ITAP = isatino [1,2-b]-1,4,8,9-tetraazatriphenylene)

A new ligand ITAP and its complex [Ru(dmb)₂(ITAP)](ClO₄)₂ (ITAP = isatino [1,2-b]-1,4,8, 9-tetraazatriphenylene, dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, Fast atom bombardment mass spectra, Electrospray mass spectra, and ¹H NMR. Thermal denaturation and absorption titration experiments show the complex binds to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) with moderate affinities. Viscosity measurements and thermal denaturation indicate that the DNA-binding mode could be intercalative interaction. The Ru(II) complex in the presence of plasmid pBR322 DNA has been found to promote the cleavage of plasmid pBR322 DNA from the supercoiled Form I to the open circular Form II upon irradiation. Mechanisms for DNA cleavage by the complex were also investigated.     

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.