[RuO(dppz)(tpy)]²⁺ : a DNA Cleavage Agent with High DNA Affinity

Abstract

A RuIVO functional unit and an intercalating heteroligand, dipyridophenazine (dppz), are united in the complex cation of the title, 1, and responsible for its high DNA-cleavage activity and DNA affinity. In the solid state, the units of the RuOH2 analogue of 1 (C1O counterion) are linked by π-stacking interactions similar to those in acridine orange and other conventional intercalators; the distance between the dppz ligands is 3.5 Å. tpy = 2,2′,2″-terpyridine.