Substituted dipyridophenazine complexes of Cr(iii): Synthesis, enantiomeric resolution and binding interactions with calf thymus DNA

Abstract

[Cr(phen)₂(X₂dppz)]³⁺ {X = H, Me, or F} have been synthesised, characterised, and chromatographically resolved into their constituent Δ and Λ enantiomers. The DNA-binding interactions of each of the racemic complexes were investigated, with the results of linear dichroism, thermal denaturation, and emission quenching studies indicative of intercalative binding to CT-DNA with a significant electrostatic contribution. UV/Vis absorption titrations suggest strong DNA binding by each of the racemic complexes, with the methylated analogue [Cr(phen)₂(Me₂dppz)]³⁺ exhibiting the largest equilibrium binding constant. Emission quenching and UV-Vis titrations of the enantiomers of [Cr(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺ imply similar binding affinities for the Δ and Λ isomers, although significant differences between the circular dichroism spectra of the enantiomers in the presence of DNA connote differences in binding orientation and/or conformation between the two.