Our group is interested in the development of new metal based complexes capable of binding DNA through intercalation. These DNA metallointercalators have the potential to act as small molecule DNA probes, inhibit DNA binding proteins, and photochemically cleave or excise DNA lesions. We are currently focusing on the use of 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (tacn) as a supporting ligand for metallointercalators possessing an octahedral coordination geometry. This capping tridentate ligand combined with a bidentate intercalating ligand such as dppz (dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine) provides for an open coordination site that can be modified to alter the DNA binding strength and specificity. To this end we have synthesized triflate salts of [Ru(tacn)(dppz)(dmso)]2+ and [M(tacn)(dppz)(H2O)]3+ (M = Rh, Ir). These complexes were prepared by reaction of the hydrated metal trichlorides, MCl3 · xH2O (M = Ru, Rh, Ir), with tacn to form mixed tacn/chloride complexes. The chloride ligands were then removed and replaced with dppz by treatment with silver triflate followed by reaction with dppz. Details of the synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and crystal structures of these new complexes will be presented.

Synthesis and characterization of [M(tacn)(dppz)(solvent)]n+ complexes of Ru, Rh, and Ir: New DNA metallointercalators possessing modifiable groups

249th National Meeting (2015)

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