Selective recognition of DNA defects by cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes.

Selective detection of DNA defects is an attractive approach for early detection of various tumors and diseases. Ru(ii), Rh(iii) and hybrid complexes have been reported in this regard. Here, we present three heteroleptic cyclometalated Ir(iii) complexes [Ir(phpy)2(imiphen)]+(Ir-1), [Ir(phpy)2(furphen)]+(Ir-2) and [Ir(phpy)2(faqphen)]+(Ir-3) where imiphen: 2-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline; furphen: 2-(furan-2-yl)-1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline and faqphen: 2-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2-yl)anthracene-9,10-dione have been synthesized and characterized by analytical techniques.