Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding studies of 1-cyclohexyl-3-tosylurea and its Ni(II), and Cd(II) complexes

1-Cyclohexyl-3-tosylurea (HL) and its two complexes, ML2·2H2O [MNi(1), and Cd(2)], have been synthesized and characterized on the basis of elemental analyses, molar conductivities, IR spectra and thermal analyses. In addition, the DNA-binding properties of the ligand and the two complexes have been investigated by electronic absorption, fluorescence, CD spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. The experiment results suggest that the ligand and its two complexes bind to DNA via a groove binding mode, and the binding affinity of the complex 2 is higher than that of the complex 1 and the ligand.