The interesting DNA-binding properties of three novel dinuclear Ru(II) complexes with varied lengths of flexible bridges.

Three binuclear Ru(II) complexes with two [Ru(bpy)(2)(pip)](2+)-based subunits {where bpy=2,2'-bipyridine and pip=2-phenylimidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline} being linked by varied lengths of flexible bridges, were synthesized and characterized by (1)H NMR, elemental analysis, UV-visible (UV-vis) and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The structures of the three complexes were optimized by density functional theory calculations. The interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA was investigated by UV-vis and luminescence titrations, steady-state emission quenching by [Fe(CN)(6)](4-), DNA competitive binding with ethidium bromide, DNA melting experiments, and viscosity measurements. The experimental results indicated that the three complexes bound to the DNA most probably in a threading intercalation binding mode with high DNA binding constant values three orders of magnitude greater than the DNA binding constant value reported for proven DNA intercalator, mononuclear counterpart [Ru(bpy)(2)(p-mopip)](2+) {p-mopip=2-(4-methoxylphenyl)imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline}.