Synthesis, crystal structures and biological evaluation of water-soluble zinc complexes of zwitterionic carboxylates

► Three water-soluble zinc complexes 1-3 were synthesized and fully characterized. ► Complexes 1 and 2 formed mononuclear structures, while 3 formed a polynuclear structure. ► Complex 3 was capable of cleaving pBR322 DNA and showed high DNA-binding affinity. ► Complex 3 displayed moderate cytotoxicities against two cancer cells.