“Living” radical polymerization of styrene catalyzed by cyclometalated ruthenium(II) complexes bearing nonlabile ligands

Cationic substitutionally inert cyclometalated ruthenium (II) and osmium (II) complexes, ([Mt(o‐C₆H₄‐2‐py)(LL)₂]PF₆), where LL‐1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy), were used for radical polymerization of styrene. Gradual modification of the complexes within the series allowed comparison of the catalytic activity and the redox properties. There was no correlation between the reducing powers of the complexes and their catalytic activities. The osmium compound of the lowest reduction potential was not active. All the ruthenium complexes catalyzed the polymerization of styrene in a controlled manner; but the level of control and the catalytic activity were different under the same polymerization conditions. [Ru(o‐C₆H₄‐2‐py)(phen)₂]PF₆ demonstrated the best catalytic performance though its redox potential was the highest. It catalyzed the “living” polymerization with a reasonable rate at a catalyst‐to‐initiator ratio of 0.1. 1 equiv. of Al(OiPr)₃ accelerated the polymerization and improved the control, but higher amount of Al(OiPr)₃ did not speed up the polymerization and moved the process into the uncontrollable regime. Under the most optimal conditions, the controlled polymerization occurs fast without any additive and the catalyst degradation. Added free ligands inhibited the polymerization suggesting that the catalytically active ruthenium intermediates are generated via the reversible dechelation of bidentate phen or bipy ligands. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 47: 3814–3828, 2009     

Synthesis and photophysical properties of novel amphiphilic ruthenium (II) complexes containing 4,4′‐dialkylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl ligands

The synthesis of a number of new 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands functionalized with bulky amino side groups is reported. Three homoleptic polypyridyl ruthenium (II) complexes, [Ru(L)₃]²⁺ 2(PF₆^?), where L is 4,4′‐dioctylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru4a), 4,4′‐didodecylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru4b) and 4,4′‐dioctadodecylaminomethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Ru4c), have been synthesized. These compounds were characterized and their photophysical properties examined. The electronic spectra of three complexes show pyridyl π → π* transitions in the UV region and metal‐to‐ligand charge transfer bands in the visible region. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

4,4′‐Methylenediphenol–4,4′‐bipyridine (2/3): decarboxylation of 5,5′‐methylenedisalicylic acid under hydrothermal conditions

Reaction of 5,5′‐methylenedisalicylic acid (5,5′‐H₄mdsa) with 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bipy) and manganese(II) acetate under hydrothermal conditions led to the unexpected 2:3 binary cocrystal 4,4′‐methylenediphenol–4,4′‐bipyridine (2/3), C₁₃H₁₂O₂·1.5C₁₀H₈N₂ or (4,4′‐H₂dhdp)(4,4′‐bipy)_1.5, which is formed with a concomitant decarboxylation. The asymmetric unit contains one and a half 4,4′‐bipy molecules, one of which straddles a centre of inversion, and one 4,4′‐H₂dhdp molecule. O—H...N interactions between the hydroxy and pyridyl groups lead to a discrete ribbon motif with an unusual 2:3 stoichiometric ratio of strong hydrogen‐bonding donors and acceptors. One of the pyridyl N‐atom donors is not involved in hydrogen‐bond formation. Additional weak C—H...O interactions between 4,4′‐bipy and 4,4′‐H₂dhdp molecules complete a two‐dimensional bilayer supramolecular structure.     

The trans influence of the pyridine ligand on ruthenium(II)–porphyrin–carbene complexes

In the two ruthenium(II)–porphyrin–carbene complexes ­(di­benzoyl­carbenyl‐κC)(pyridine‐κN)(5,10,15,20‐tetra‐p‐tolyl­porphyrinato‐κ⁴N)­ruthenium(II), [Ru(C₁₅H₁₀O₂)(C₅H₅N)(C₄₈H₃₆N₄)], (I), and (pyridine‐κN)(5,10,15,20‐tetra‐p‐tolyl­porphyrinato‐κ⁴N)[bis(3‐tri­fluoro­methyl­phenyl)­carbenyl‐κC]­ruthenium(II), [Ru(C₁₅H₈F₆)(C₅H₅N)(C₄₈H₃₆N₄)], (II), the pyridine ligand coordinates to the octahedral Ru atom trans with respect to the carbene ligand. The C(carbene)—Ru—N(pyridine) bonds in (I) coincide with a crystallographic twofold axis. The Ru—C bond lengths of 1.877 (8) and 1.868 (3) Å in (I) and (II), respectively, are slightly longer than those of other ruthenium(II)–porphyrin–carbene complexes, owing to the trans influence of the pyridine ligands.     

Bis[tris­(2,2′‐bipyridine)iron(II)] tetra­aqua­sodium(I) dodeca­tungsto­ferrate(III) dihydrate

The title compound, bis­[tris­(2,2′‐bipyridine)iron(II)] tetra­aqua­tetra‐μ₄‐oxo‐penta­cosa‐μ₂‐oxo‐undeca­oxo­iron(III)sodium(I)­dodeca­tungsten(VI) dihydrate, [Fe(C₁₀H₈N₂)₃]₂[NaFeW₁₂O₄₀(H₂O)₄]·2H₂O, consists of a dodeca­tungstoferrate(III) framework grafted on to an [Na(H₂O)₄]⁺ cation, two complex [Fe(2,2′‐bipy)₃]²⁺ cations (2,2′‐bipy is 2,2′‐bipyridine) and two uncoordinated water mol­ecules per formula unit.     

Four novel lanthanide complexes with 4‐ethylbenzoic acid and 5,5′‐dimethy‐2,2′‐bipyridine: Structures,luminescent, thermal properties and bacteriostatic activities

Four new lanthanide complexes [Ln(4‐EBA)₃(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)]₂·2C₂H₅OH (Ln = Ho ( 1 ), Tb ( 2 ), Er ( 3 )); [Ln(4‐EBA)₃(4‐EBAH)(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)]₂ (Ln = Eu( 4 ); 4‐EBA =4‐ethylbenzoate; 5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy =5,5′‐dimethy‐2,2′‐bipyridine; 4‐EBAH = 4‐ethylbenzoic acid) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and IR spectra. The single crystal results reveal that complexes 1 – 3 are isostructural. It is worth noting that the mole ratios of the carboxylate ligands and neutral ligands is 4:1 in complex 4 , which is different from the former and has been rarely reported. Nevertheless, all complexes are connected to form 1D chain by π ···π wake staking interactions. Additionally, the complexes 2 (Tb(III)) and 4 (Eu(III)) exhibit characteristic luminescent properties, indicating that ligands can be used as sensitizing chromophore in these systems. The thermal decomposition mechanism of the complexes has been investigated by TG/DSC–FTIR technology. Stacked plots of the FTIR spectra of the evolved gases show complexes broken down into H₂O, CO₂, and other gaseous molecules as well as the gaseous organic fragments. The studies on bacteriostatic activities of complexes show that four complexes have good bacteriostatic activities against Candida albicans but no bacteriostatic activity on Escherichia coli , and Staphylococcus aureus . Additionally, the complexes 1 to 3 have better bacteriostatic activities on Candida albicans than complex 4 .     

A three‐dimensional supramolecular framework of silver(I), 2‐phenylquinoline‐4‐carboxylate and 4,4′‐bipyridine

A novel supramolecular framework, catena‐poly[[[aqua(2‐phenylquinoline‐4‐carboxylato‐κO)silver(I)]‐μ‐4,4′‐bipyridine‐κ²N:N′] dihydrate], {[Ag(C₁₆H₁₀NO₂)(C₁₀H₈N₂)(H₂O)]·2H₂O}_n, has been synthesized and structurally characterized. The Ag^I centres are four‐coordinated and bridged by 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bipy) ligands to form a one‐dimensional Ag–bipy chain. The Ag–bipy chains are further linked together by intermolecular O—H...O and O—H...N hydrogen‐bonding interactions between adjacent chains, resulting in a three‐dimensional framework.     

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.     

Construction of three types of lanthanide complexes based on 3,4‐dimethylbenzoic acid and 5,5′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine: Syntheses,Structures, Thermodynamic properties,Luminescence, and Bacteriostatic activities

Three novel lanthanide complexes [Er (3,4‐DMBA)₃(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)(H₂O)] ( 1 ); [Tb₂ (3,4‐DMBA)₆(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)₂(H₂O)] ( 2 ); [Eu (3,4‐DMBA)₃(3,4‐DMHBA)(5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy)]₂ ( 3 ) (3,4‐DMHBA = 3,4‐dimethylbenzoic acid, 5,5′‐DM‐2,2′‐bipy =5,5′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine) were successfully synthesized via conventional solution method at room temperature and structurally characterized by single crystal diffraction. The structures of the complexes 1 – 3 were confirmed on the basis of elemental analysis, coordination titration analysis, IR and XRD. The molecular structures of complexes 2 and 3 are very particular: complex 2 has two same central metal ions but each metal ion has different coordination environment; in structure of the complex 3 , there are eight carboxylic acid ligands coordinated to the central metal ions, which have rarely been reported previously. The thermal decomposition mechanism of complexes 1 – 3 were investigated by the technology of simultaneous TG/DSC‐FTIR. The heat capacities of the complexes were recorded by means of DSC over the range of from 253.15 K to 345.15 K. The thermodynamic parameters, the smoothed values of heat capacities, enthalpy (H_T‐H_298.15K) and entropy (S_T‐S_298.15K) were also calculated. The bacteriostatic activities of the complexes were evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Candida albicans. What's more, the luminescence properties of complexes 2 and 3 were discussed, and their fluorescence lifetimes as well as the quantum yield of the Eu (III) were measured. To elucidate the energy transfer process of complexes 2 and 3, the energy levels of the relevant electronic states have been estimated.     

catena‐Poly[[[triaqua­sulfato­cobalt(II)]‐μ‐4,4′‐bipyridine] ethane‐1,2‐diol solvate]

In the title compound, {[Co(SO₄)(C₁₀H₈N₂)(H₂O)₃]·C₂H₆O₂}_n, each Co^II center is octa­hedrally coordinated by two N atoms from two bridging 4,4′‐bipyridine (bipy) ligands and four O atoms, one from a monodentate sulfate ligand and three from aqua ligands. The bipy ligands occupy special positions of site symmetry and bridge adjacent cobalt(II) centers to form one‐dimensional linear coordination chains. Adjacent chains are arranged in a cross‐like fashion around the mid‐point of the bipy ligands, resulting in a three‐dimensional supra­molecular array.     

Homoleptic 2,2′‐bipyridine metalates(–I) of iron and cobalt,one cocrystallized with an anthracene radical anion and the other with neutral anthracene

Homoleptic 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy) metalates of iron and cobalt have been synthesized directly from the corresponding homoleptic anthracene metalates. In the iron structure, bis[([2.2.2]cryptand)potassium(I)] tris(2,2′‐bipyridine)ferrate(–I) anthracene(–I), [K(C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆)]₂[Fe(C₁₀H₈N₂)₃](C₁₄H₁₀), the asymmetric unit contains one potassium complex cation in a general position, the Fe center and one and a half bipy ligands of the ferrate complex on a crystallographic twofold axis that includes the Fe atom, and one half of an anthracene radical anion whose other half is generated by a crystallographic inversion center. The cations and anions are well separated and the geometry about the Fe center is essentially octahedral. In the cobalt structure, ([2.2.2]cryptand)potassium(I) bis(2,2′‐bipyridine)cobaltate(–I) anthracene hemisolvate tetrahydrofuran (THF) disolvate, [K(C₁₈H₃₆N₂O₆)][Co(C₁₀H₈N₂)₂]·0.5C₁₄H₁₀·2C₄H₈O, the asymmetric unit contains the cation, anion, and both cocrystallized THF solvent molecules in general positions, and one half of a cocrystallized anthracene molecule whose other half is generated by a crystallographic inversion center. The cation and anion are well separated and the ligand planes in the cobaltate anion are periplanar. Each anthracene molecule is midway between and is oriented perpendicular to a pair of symmetry‐related bipy ligands such that aromatic donor–acceptor interactions may play a role in the packing arrangement. The lengths of the bonds that connect the bipy rings support the assertion that the ligands are bipy radical anions in the iron structure. However, in the case of cobalt, these lengths are between the known ranges for a bipy radical anion and a bipy dianion, and therefore no conclusion can be made from the crystallography alone. One cocrystallized THF solvent molecule in the cobalt structure was modeled as disordered over three positions with appropriate geometric and thermal restraints, which resulted in a refined component mass ratio of 0.412 (4):0.387 (3):0.201 (3).     

A zinc(II) metal–organic framework with a novel topology formed from 4,4′,4′′‐nitrilotribenzoate and 4,4′‐bipyridine ligands

A metal–organic framework with a novel topology, poly[sesqui(μ₂‐4,4′‐bipyridine)bis(dimethylformamide)bis(μ₄‐4,4′,4′′‐nitrilotribenzoato)trizinc(II)], [Zn₃(C₂₁H₁₂NO₆)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)_1.5(C₃H₇NO)₂]_n, was obtained by the solvothermal method using 4,4′,4′′‐nitrilotribenzoic acid and 4,4′‐bipyridine (bipy). The structure, determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis, possesses three kinds of crystallographically independent Zn^II cations, as well as binuclear Zn₂(COO)₄(bipy)₂ paddle‐wheel clusters, and can be reduced to a novel topology of a (3,3,6)‐connected 3‐nodal net, with the Schläfli symbol {5.6²}₄{5².6}₄{5⁸.8⁷} according to the topological analysis.     

catena‐Poly[bis[silver(I)‐μ2‐4,4′‐bipyridine‐κ2N:N′] naphthalene‐2,6‐dicarboxylate tetrahydrate]: self‐assembly of a supramolecular framework via coordination bonds and supramolecular interactions

The ultrasonic reaction of AgNO₃, 4,4′‐bipyridine (bipy) and naphthalene‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂NDC) gives rise to the title compound, {[Ag₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)₂](C₁₂H₆O₄)·4H₂O}_n. The NDC dianion is located on an inversion centre. The Ag^I centre is coordinated in a linear manner by two N atoms from two bipy ligands. The crystal structure consists of one‐dimensional Ag^I–bipy cationic chains and two‐dimensional NDC–H₂O anionic sheets, constructed by coordination bonds and supramolecular interactions, respectively.     

μ‐4,4′‐Bipyridine‐κ2N:N′‐bis[triaqua(4,4′‐bipyridine‐κN)cadmium(II)] bis(3‐aminobenzoate) bis(perchlorate) dihydrate: a novel supramolecular system constructed by π–π and hydrogen‐bonding interactions

The title dicadmium compound, [Cd₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)₅(H₂O)₆](C₇H₆NO₂)₂(ClO₄)₂·2H₂O, is located around an inversion centre. Each Cd^II centre is coordinated by three N atoms from three different 4,4′‐bipyridine ligands and three O atoms from three coordinating water molecules in a distorted octahedral coordination environment. In the dicadmium cation unit, one 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bipy) molecule acts as a bidentate bridging ligand between two Cd metal ions, while the other four 4,4′‐bipy molecules act only as monodentate terminal ligands, resulting in a rare `H‐type' [Cd₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)₅(H₂O)₆] host unit. These host units are connected to each other viaπ–π stacking interactions, giving rise to a three‐dimensional supramolecular grid network with large cavities. The 3‐aminobenzoate anions, perchlorate anions and water molecules are encapsulated in the cavities by numerous hydrogen‐bonding interactions. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first example of a coordination compound based on both 4,4′‐bipyridine ligands together with discrete 3‐aminobenzoate anions.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Monomeric Aryloxo Palladium Complexes of the Type [Pd(N–N)(OAr)(C6F5)]. Crystal Structure of [Pd(tmeda)(C6F5)(OC6H4NO2‐p)]

Mononuclear palladium‐hydroxo complexes of the type [Pd(N–N)(C₆F₅)(OH)][(N–N) = 2,2′‐bipyridine (bipy), 4,4′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐bipyridine (Me₂bipy), 1,10‐phenantroline (phen) or N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda) react with phenols ArOH in tetrahydrofuran giving the corresponding aryloxo complexes [Pd(N–N)(C₆F₅)(OAr)]. Elemental analyses and spectroscopic (IR, ¹H and ¹⁹F) methods have been used to characterize the new complexes. The X‐ray crystal structure of [Pd(tmeda)(C₆F₅)(OC₆H₄NO₂‐p)] has been determined. In the crystal packing the planes defined by two C₆H₄ rings show a parallel orientation. There are also intermolecular C–H···F and C‐H···O hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis and Thermal Decomposition Kinetics of Two Dy(III) Complexes with Benzoate Derivative and 2,2′‐Bipyridine as Co‐ligands

Two Dy(III) complexes with benzoate derivative and 2,2′‐bipyridine ligands, [Dy(2,4‐DClBA)₃bipy]₂ and [Dy(o‐MOBA)₃bipy]₂·4H₂O (2,4‐DClBA=2,4‐dichlorobenzoate; o‐MOBA=o‐methoxybenzoate; bipy=2,2′‐bipyridine), were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectra, ultraviolet spectra and thermogravimetry and differential thermogravimetry techniques. The thermal decomposition behavior of the two complexes under a static air atmosphere was discussed by thermogravimetry, differential thermogravimetry and infrared spectral techniques. The non‐isothermal kinetics were investigated by using a double equal‐double step method, a non‐linear isoconversional integral method and a Starink method. The mechanism functions of the first decomposition step for [Dy(2,4‐DClBA)₃bipy]₂ and the second decomposition step for [Dy(o‐MOBA)₃bipy]₂·4H₂O were determined. Meanwhile, the thermodynamic parameters (ΔH^ne;, ΔG^ne; and ΔS^ne;) and kinetic parameters (activation energy E and the pre‐exponential factor A) for the two complexes were also calculated.     

Synthesis of a Ruthenium(II) Compound based on 5‐(2‐Pyrimidyl)‐1H‐tetrazole for Photodynamic Therapy

Ru^II compounds have been universally investigated due to their unique physical and chemical properties. In this paper, a new Ru^II compound based on 2,2′‐bipy and Hpmtz [2,2′‐bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine, Hpmtz = 5‐(2‐pyrimidyl)‐1H‐tetrazole], namely [Ru(2,2′‐bipy)₂(pmtz)][PF₆] · 0.5H₂O was prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. [Ru(2,2′‐bipy)₂(pmtz)][PF₆] · 0.5H₂O shows a mononuclear structure and forms a three‐dimensional network by non‐classic hydrogen bonds. The ability of generation of ROS (reactive oxygen species) makes it has a low phototoxicity IC₅₀ (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration) after Xenon lamp irradiation on Hela cells in vitro. The results demonstrate that [Ru(2,2′‐bipy)₂(pmtz)][PF₆] · 0.5H₂O with high light toxicity and low dark toxicity may be a potential candidate for photodynamic therapy.     

A threefold interpenetrated two‐dimensional zinc(II) supramolecular architecture based on 3‐nitrobenzoic acid and 4,4′‐bipyridine

With regard to crystal engineering, building block or modular assembly methodologies have shown great success in the design and construction of metal–organic coordination polymers. The critical factor for the construction of coordination polymers is the rational choice of the organic building blocks and the metal centre. The reaction of Zn(OAc)₂·2H₂O (OAc is acetate) with 3‐nitrobenzoic acid (HNBA) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bipy) under hydrothermal conditions produced a two‐dimensional zinc(II) supramolecular architecture, catena‐poly[[bis(3‐nitrobenzoato‐κ²O,O′)zinc(II)]‐μ‐4,4′‐bipyridine‐κ²N:N′], [Zn(C₇H₄NO₄)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)]_n or [Zn(NBA)₂(4,4′‐bipy)]_n, which was characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. The Zn^II ions are connected by the 4,4′‐bipy ligands to form a one‐dimensional zigzag chain and the chains are decorated with anionic NBA ligands which interact further through aromatic π–π stacking interactions, expanding the structure into a threefold interpenetrated two‐dimensional supramolecular architecture. The solid‐state fluorescence analysis indicates a slight blue shift compared with pure 4,4′‐bipyridine and HNBA.     

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.     

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).