A Multifunctional Light Switch: DNA Binding and Cleavage Properties of a Heterobimetallic Ruthenium–Rhenium Dipyridophenazine Complex

Abstract

A DNA Swiss-army knife: Photo- and biophysical studies on the hetero-dinuclear complex [{Ru(tpm)(dppz)}(μ-dpp[5]){fac-(CO)3Re(dppz)}]3+ (see structure; tpm=tris(1-pyrazolyl)methane; dppz=dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine; dpp[5]=4,4′-dipyridylpentane) reveal that it is both a DNA light switch and a direct cleaving agent.