Theoretical studies on DNA-binding, DNA-photocleavage and spectral properties of Co(III) complexes [Co(phen)2(L)]3+ (L = pip, hpip, hnaip)

Theoretical studies on the DNA-binding, DNA-photocleavage and spectral properties of Co(III) polypyridyl complexes [Co(phen)2(L)]3+ (L = pip, hpip, hnaip) have been carried out, using the density functional theory (DFT), Hartree–Fock (HF) and configuration interaction singles (CIS) methods. The optimized geometric structures of these Co(III) complexes in aqueous solution are more close to experimental data than those in vacuo at the B3LYP/LanL2DZ level. Based on the optimized geometric structures in solution, the electronic structures of these Co(III) complexes were analyzed and the trend in the DNA-binding constants (Kb) was reasonably explained. In particular, via the analysis of natural charges of the complexes in ground state and excited state, it is very interesting to find the following: under UV or visible light irradiation, the Co(Ш) polypyridyl complexes undergo an intra-molecular electron transfer from S0 state to T1 state, and the positive charges on the main-ligand in the T1 state are greatly increased, so as to form a radical cation with strong oxidation ability. Meanwhile, the change in geometry of the complexes under light irradiation also helps to the radical cation easily approaching and further oxidating DNA-base-pairs. These results offer the theoretical explanation for the photo-induced oxidation–reduction mechanism which was experimentally proposed on DNA-photocleavage by Co(Ш) polypyridyl complexes. In addition, the electronic absorption spectra of these complexes were calculated and simulated in aqueous solution using the time dependent DFT (TDDFT) method, in satisfying agreement with experimental results, and the properties of experimental absorption bands have been theoretically explained in detail.

Graphical abstractThe trend in the DNA-binding constants (Kb) and the photo-induced oxidation–reduction mechanism of Co(III) polypyridyl complexes [Co(phen)2(L)]3+ (L = pip, hpip, hnaip) have been reasonably explained via theoretical calculations. Meanwhile, the absorption spectra were also simulated in aqueous solution, in satisfying agreement with experimental results.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide