Synthesis, characterization and DNA interactions of 5,15-(4-pyridyl)-10,20-(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin coordinated to two [Ru(bipy)2Cl]+ groups

A new porphyrin and its diruthenium analog have been synthesized. Electrochemistry, UV/Vis spectroscopy and spectroelectrochemistry have been used to characterize the compounds. Gel electrophoresis and UV/Vis titrations of the ruthenium porphyrin with plasmid DNA and calf thymus DNA show intercalative effects. Photolysis of aqueous solutions of circular DNA in the presence of the ruthenium porphyrin indicates cleavage of the DNA by the ruthenium porphyrin.