Synthesis,crystal structure and DNA-binding properties of ruthenium(II) polypyridyl complexes with dicationic 2,2′-dipyridyl derivatives as ligands

New Ru(II) complexes with dicationic ligand, Ru(phen)₂L¹]⁴⁺(1) and Ru(phen)₂L²]⁴⁺(2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; L: L¹ = 5,5′-di(1-(triethylammonio)methyl)-2,2′-dipyridyl cation; L² = 5,5′-di(1-(tributylammonio)methyl)-2,2′-dipyridyl cation) have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been investigated. The intrinsic binding constants (K_b: 1, 7.73 × 10⁴ M⁻¹; 2, 2.50 × 10⁴ M⁻¹) determined by absorption spectral titrations of these complexes with CT-DNA indicate the DNA-binding affinity of 1 is stronger than that of 2. Both complexes can display luminescence either alone in aqueous solution or in the presence of DNA. Equilibrium dialysis experiments monitored by CD spectroscopy reveal the preferential binding of the Δ-enantiomer to the right-handed CT-DNA. DNA-viscosity studies suggest that the binding modes are different, 1 may partially intercalate between DNA base-pairs while 2 most likely interact with DNA in an electrostatic binding mode.