DNA binding and photocleavage characteristics of a series of mixed-ligand complexes of the type [M(phen)₂LL]ⁿ⁺ (where M = Co(III), Ni(II) or Ru(II), LL = 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), phenanthroline-dione (phen-dione) or dipyridophenazine (dppz) andn = 3 or 2) have been investigated in detail. Various physico-chemical and biochemical techniques including UV/Visible, fluorescence and viscometric titration, thermal denaturation, and differential pulse voltammetry have been employed to probe the details of DNA binding by these complexes; intrinsic binding constants (K_b) have been estimated under a similar set of experimental conditions. Analysis of the results suggests that intercalative ability of the coordinated ligands varies as dppz>phen>phen-dione in this series of complexes. While the Co(II) and Ru(II) complexes investigated in this study effect photocleavage of the supercoiled pBR 322 DNA, the corresponding Ni(II) complexes are found to be inactive under similar experimental conditions. Results of detailed investigations carried out inquiring into the mechanistic aspects of DNA photocleavage by [Co(phen)₂(dppz)]³⁺ have also been reported.

The hexafluorophosphate and chloride salts of two ruthenium(II) complexes, viz. [Ru(phen)(ptzo)₂]² and [Ru(ptzo)₃]²⁺, where ptzo = 1,10-phenanthrolino[5,6-e]1,2,4-triazine-3-one (ptzo) — a new modified phenanthroline (phen) ligand, have been synthesised. These complexes have been characterised by infrared, UV-Vis, steady-state emission and¹H NMR spectroscopic methods. Results of absorption and fluorescence titration as well as thermal denaturation studies reveal that both thebis- and tris-complexes of ptzo show moderately strong affinity for binding with calf thymus (CT) DNA with the binding constants being close to 10⁵M^-1 in each case. An intercalative mode of DNA binding has been suggested for both the complexes. Emission studies carried out in non-aqueous solvents and in aqueous media without DNA reveal that both [Ru(phen)(ptzo)₂]²⁺ and [Ru(ptzo)₃]²⁺ are weakly luminescent under these solution conditions. Successive addition of CT DNA to buffered aqueous solutions containing [Ru(phen)(ptzo)₂]²⁺results in an enhancement of the emission. These results have been discussed in the light of the dependence of the structure-specific deactivation processes of the MLCT state of the metallo-intercalator with the characteristic features of its DNA interaction. In doing so, attempts have been made to compare and contrast its properties with those of the analogous phenanthroline-based complexes including the ones reported by us previously.

A new family of covalently linked ‘Sn(IV) porphyrin-anthracene’ diad (1), triad (2) and tetrad (3) donor-acceptor (D-A) systems have been designed and synthesized in good-to-moderate yields. While diad 1 possesses one anthracene subunit at the peripheral (meso) position of the tin(IV) porphyrin scaffold, triad 2 possesses twotrans axial anthracene subunits at the tin(IV) centre. On the other hand, tetrad 3 is endowed with both the peripheral and axial anthracene subunits in its architecture. These D-A systems have been fully characterised by elemental analysis, FAB-MS, UV-Vis,¹H and¹³C NMR and electrochemical methods. UV-Vis,NMR and redox data suggest the absence of intramolecular π-π interaction between the porphyrin and the anthracene/s in 1–3. Fluorescence from the anthracene subunit in 1 and 3 is found to be quenched in comparison with the fluorescence of free anthracene in four different solvents. This is not the case with compound 2. Excitation spectral data provides evidence for an intramolecular excitation energy transfer (EET) from the singlet anthracene to the porphyrin in 1 and 3. The energy transfer efficiency is in the order: 2 (almost negligible) < 3 (~30%) < 1 (nearly quantitative), with the peripheral anthracene → porphyrin pathway being largely favoured. This orientation dependence of EET could be analysed using Forster's dipole dipole mechanism.

Two new, easy-to-prepare dipyrrolyl derivatives endowed with electron-withdrawing quinone or dicyano functionalities in their architecture permit the detection of fluoride ions under visual (naked-eye) as well as optical (absorption and fluorescence) and electrochemical conditions in organic solvents