DNA Binding and Photocleavage Studies of Cobalt(III) Ethylenediamine Pyridine Complexes: [Co(en)2(py)2]3+ and [Co(en)2(mepy)2]3+.

Two novel cobalt(III) pyridine complexes (1)[Co(en)2(py)2]3+ and (2)[Co(en)2(mepy)2]3+ (en=ethylenediamine, py=pyridine, and mepy=methylpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized. The interaction of these complexes with calf thymus DNA was investigated by absorption, emission spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, DNA melting, and DNA photocleavage. Results suggest that the two complexes bind to DNA via groove mode and complex 2 binds more strongly to CT DNA than complex 1.