DNA binding, DNA hydrolysis and phosphatase-like activity of new macrobicyclic dicopper(II) complexes

► Macrobicyclic dicopper(II) complexes with heterocyclic bases were synthesized. ► All the complexes display significant catalytic activity on phosphate hydrolysis. ► All the dicopper(II) complexes are avid DNA binders. ► Phenanthroline based CuII complexes show better DNA hydrolysis than bipyridyl analogs.