Synthesis, characterization and biological evaluation of novel Ru(II)-arene complexes containing intercalating ligands

Three new ruthenium(II)-arene complexes, [(arene)Ru(L1,2)Cl]PF6, where arene is benzene or p-cymene, and L1 and L2 are 11,12-dimethyldipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine and 2-(9-anthryl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f] [1,10] phenanthroline, have been synthesized and characterized and their cytotoxicity was examined. Fluorescent microscopy revealed that the most active complex induced both apoptotic and necrotic cell morphology characteristics.162