Synthesis, structure and DNA cleavage activity of two 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridyl manganese(II) complexes

Two new 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridyl Mn(II) complexes have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The two complexes have similar mononuclear molecular structures. In both complexes, there are plentiful C-H⋯N intermolecular hydrogen bonds linking the mononuclear molecules into a compact 3D supramolecular structure. DNA cleavage studies show that the complexes can promote plasmid DNA cleavage in the presence of H2O2 under physiological conditions.