Bimetallic complexes constructed from asymmetrical N,N′-bis(substituted)-oxamide: Cytotoxicities, and reactivities towards DNA and protein

► A new ligand H3L and its two binuclear complexes were synthesized. ► The three compounds were characterized by X-ray single-crystal diffraction. ► The three compounds exhibit cytotoxicities against SMMC-7721 and A549 cell lines. ► The DNA-binding abilities are consistent with cytotoxicities in the order 2 > 1> L. ► The protein binding ability has also been monitored.