Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding properties of a new cobalt(II) complex: Co(bbt)2Cl2

A new bis(N-benzyl-benzotriazole)dichloro Co(II) complex (Co(bbt)2Cl2) was synthesized and the structure was characterized by X-ray crystallography, IR spectrum and elemental analysis. The electrochemical characterization of Co(bbt)2Cl2 was measured in detail, and the interaction of this Co(II) complex with fish sperm DNA was studied by electrochemical techniques and ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis) spectrophotometry. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) showed that Co(bbt)2Cl2 had two reduction peaks and one oxidation peak on gold electrode. It was found that the currents of both the reduction peaks and the oxidation peak decreased significantly in the presence of DNA compared with those in the absence of DNA, which indicated that Co(bbt)2Cl2 could interact with DNA. The binding of DNA with the complex was not only electrostatic binding but also intercalation.