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 use of supporting ligands with mixed nitrogen/oxygen donors. One such ligand is 2-benzoylpyridine (bopy) which possesses the traditional pyridyl group combined with a carbonyl group. We anticipate that the oxygen of the carbonyl group may act as a hydrogen bond acceptor and alter the binding affinity of the complex. Herein we report the synthesis of [Rh(bopy)2(dppz)](BF4)3 (dppz = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine). This compound was prepared from rhodium trichloride in a two-step process. Rhodium trichloride was refluxed with two equivalents of bopy, and sodium tetrafluoroborate in a 50% v/v mixture of ethyl alcohol and water. This resulted in the precipitation of [trans-Rh(bopy)2Cl2]BF4 in good yield. [trans-Rh(bopy)2Cl2]BF4 was then treated with two equivalents of silver tetraborofluorate, AgBF4, and dppz in refluxing acetonitrile. The reaction with Ag+ resulted in halide abstraction of the chlorides and the concomitant precipitation of AgCl. This opens up two coordination sites for the subsequent binding of dppz to form [Rh(bopy)2(dppz)](BF4)3. The details concerning the synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, and electrochemical behavior of these two rhodium compounds will be presented.

Synthesis and characterization of [Rh(bopy)2(dppz)]3+ (bopy = 2-benzoylpyridine): A new potential metallointercalator possessing a mixture of nitrogen and oxygen donors

251st National Meeting (2016)

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