Our group is interested in developing new metal based complexes capable of binding DNA through intercalation. Metal complexes that bind DNA have the potential to act as chemical probes, inhibit DNA binding proteins, and photochemically repair or excise DNA lesions. To this end we are examining the synthesis and isolation of the bis-acetylacetonate (acac) complex [RuIII(acac)2(dppz)]1+ (dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine). The use of acac as a supporting ligand has not been extensively examined compared to the ubiquitous nitrogen based bidentate supporting ligands, 2,2-bipyridine and phenanthroline. We anticipate that use of an oxygen donor ligand may act as a hydrogen bond acceptor and alter the binding affinity of this complex. [RuIII(acac)2(dppz)]BF4 was prepared in a two-step procedure from RuIII(acac)3. Treatment of RuIII(acac)3 with tetrafluorboric acid dimethyl etherate in acetonitrile produces the partially substituted complex cis-[Ru(acac)2(CH3CN)2]BF4. Subsequent reaction of this complex with dppz results in the formation of [RuIII(acac)2(dppz)]BF4. Details regarding the synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of [RuIII(acac)2(dppz)]BF4 will be presented.

Synthesis and characterization of [Ru(acac)<sub>2</sub>(dppz)]<sup>1+</sup>: A new potential metallointercalator

247th National Meeting (2014)

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Synthesis and characterization of [Ru(acac)2(dppz)]1+: A new potential metallointercalator

Synthesis and characterization of [Ru(acac)₂(dppz)]¹⁺: A new potential metallointercalator