Synthesis and characterization of dinuclear macrocyclic cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes derived from 2,2,2′,2′-S,S[bis(bis-N,N-2-thiobenzimidazolyloxalato-1,2-ethane)]: DNA binding and cleavage studies

New homodinuclear macrocyclic complexes of cobalt(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) were isolated from the newly synthesized ligand 2,2,2′,2′-S,S[bis(bis-N,N-2-thiobenzimidazolyloxalato-1,2-ethane)]. The structures of the complexes were elucidated by elemental analysis, molar conductance measurements, IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, electronic and ESI-MS spectroscopic techniques. In complex 1, Co(II) ions possess a tetrahedral coordination environment composed of O2S2 donor atoms while its Cu(II) and Zn(II) counterparts 2 and 3, respectively, reveal a six coordinate octahedral structure, defined by the O2S2 donors from the macrocyclic ring and two chloride ions. Molar conductance and spectroscopic data also support the proposed geometry of the complexes. DNA binding properties of complexes 1–3 were investigated using electronic absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurements and cyclic voltammetry. The absorption spectra of complexes 2 and 3 with calf thymus DNA showed hypochromism, while complex 1 showed hyperchromism attributed to a partial intercalation and electrostatic binding modes, respectively. The intrinsic binding constant Kb of complexes 1–3 were determined as 16.6 × 104 M−1, 4.25 × 104 M−1 and 3.0 × 104 M−1, respectively. The decrease in the relative specific viscosity of calf thymus DNA with increasing concentration of the complexes authenticates the partial intercalation binding mode. Gel electrophoresis of complex 2 with plasmid DNA demonstrated that complex exhibits excellent “artificial” nuclease activity.

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