Mononuclear Co(III) and Ni(II) complexes with polypyridyl ligands, [Co(phen)2(taptp)]3+ and [Ni(phen) 2(taptp)]2+: synthesis, photocleavage and DNA-binding.

Two novel, mixed ligand complexes of cobalt(III) and nickel(II), [Co(phen)2(taptp)](3+) (1) and [Ni(phen)2(taptp)](2+) (2) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline and taptp = 4,5,9,18-tetraazaphenanthreno [9,10-b]triphenylene), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, UV-visible and NMR spectroscopies. The binding interactions of the two complexes with DNA have been investigated using absorption and emission spectroscopy methods and electrophoresis measurement mode. The intrinsic binding constants for these complexes to DNA are in the order of 10(5). In Tris buffer, the Co(III) complex shows a moderate luminescence which was enhanced after binding to DNA. However for complex Ni(II), no emission was observed in Tris buffer. The [Co(phen)2(taptp)](3+) and [Ni(phen)2(taptp)](2+) can cause the photocleavage of DNA supercoiled pBR322 upon irradiation by 360 nm light. Based on the data, an intercalative mode of DNA binding is suggested for the two complexes.