Synthesis, crystal structures, and DNA-binding properties of zinc(II) and nickel(II) complexes with tris[2-(N-ethyl)benzimidazylmethyl]amine and cinnamate ligands

Tris2-(N-ethyl)benzimidazylmethyl]amine (Etntb) and two of its complexes, Zn(Etntb)(cinnamate)]NO₃·2DMF (1) and Ni(Etntb)(cinnamate)·(H₂O)]NO₃ (2) have been synthesized and characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed that the complexes have different structures. In complex 1, the coordination sphere around Zn(II) is distorted trigonal bipyramidal, whereas the coordination sphere around Ni(II) is distorted octahedral in complex 2. The DNA-binding properties of the free ligand and its complexes have been investigated by electronic absorption, fluorescence, and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that the ligand and both complexes bind to DNA via an intercalative mode, and their binding affinity for DNA follows the order 1 > 2> ligand.