Zinc complexes of salicylaldehydes: Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding properties

Zinc complexes of the formulae [Zn(X-salo)2(CH3OH)2] and [Zn(X-salo)2(α-diimine)] with 5-substituted salicylaldehydes (X-saloH) and N,N′-donor ligands (α-diimine) have been synthesized and characterized. The complexes can bind tightly to CT DNA probably by intercalation and compete to ethidium bromide for the intercalation site of DNA.