Seven coordinated cobalt(II) complexes with 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(4-acylhydrazone) ligands: Synthesis, characterization, DNA-binding and nuclease activity

A new series of pentadentate bis(4-acylhydrazone)s based seven-coordinated cobalt(II) complexes, [Co(L)X2] (X = DMF, H2O) and [Co(H2L)Y2] (Y = N3− or NCS−), has been synthesized and characterized. Single crystal X-ray study of [Co(L1)(DMF)2] reveals that Co(II) complex has a pentagonal-bipyramidal coordination geometry. The cobalt(II) complexes bind to DNA through intercalation, and they are able to cleavage DNA both in the presence and absence of oxidant agent.