Synthesis, structure, DNA binding and photocleavage activity of a ruthenium(II) complex with 11-(9-acridinyl)dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine ligand

► A [Ru(phen)2(acdppz)](PF6)2 complex with bifunctional intercalator was synthesized. ► It binds to CT DNA via intercalation at major groove with a fondness for GC than AT. ► It cleavages plasmid pBR322 via 1O2 species on irradiation under aerobic conditions.