Synthesis and characterization of dinuclear (Hedta)Ru(III) complexes with N-heterocyclic ligands: magnetic properties and DNA-binding studies

Two ruthenium(III) complexes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetate(edta), viz. {Ru(Hedta)}₂L]·xH₂O L = 4,4′-bipyridine(bpy) (1) and 4,4′-azopyridine(Azpy) (2), have been synthesized by the reaction between KRu(Hedta)Cl]·1.5H₂O and the corresponding N-heterocycles. Complex 1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The products were characterized by IR, UV–vis, cyclic voltammetry, and magnetic techniques. Their DNA-binding activities were investigated using electronic absorption spectroscopic methods and ?uorescence quenching; the experimental results show that these two ruthenium complexes may bind to CT-DNA through intercalation modes.