Synthesis, characterization, photophysical studies and interaction with DNA of a new family of Ru(II) furyl- and thienyl-imidazo-phenanthroline polypyridyl complexes

► New emissive phenanthroline sulfur and oxygen donor ligands as potential building-blocks for ruthenium(II) complexes. ► Novel mononuclear emissive Ru(II) complexes. ► Interaction with DNA and emissive quenchers.