DNA-Binding and Cytotoxicity of Copper(I) Complexes Containing Functionalized Dipyridylphenazine Ligands.

A set of copper(I) coordination compounds with general formula [CuBr(PPh)(dppz-R)] (dppz-R = dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (), 11-nitrodipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (), 11-cyanodipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine (), dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine-11-phenone (), 11,12-dimethyldipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine ()) have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, H-NMR and P-NMR spectroscopies as well as mass spectrometry. The structure of was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The effect of incorporating different functional groups on the dppz ligand on the binding into CT-DNA was evaluated by absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence quenching of EtBr-DNA adducts, and viscosity measurements.