2-Benzoylpyridine and copper(II) ion in basic medium: Hydroxide nucleophilic addition stabilized by metal complexation, reactivity, crystal structure, DNA binding study and magnetic behavior

► Interesting coordination behavior of 2-benzoylpyridine and copper(II) ion in basic medium has been studied depending upon the counter anion of the copper(II) salts used as reactant and the pH of the medium. ► The detailed structural study, reactivity towards catechol and CT-DNA with the help of spectroscopy, and the magnetic behavior at variable temperature of the new dinuclear copper(II) complex (3) has been discussed. ► Complex 3 is active to oxidize the catechol to the corresponding quinone in MeCN medium via complex-catechol intermediate. ► Magnetic behavior for 3 is typical for uncorrelated spins down even up to 2 K..