Synthesis, characterization, and interaction with DNA of Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with 2,2′-bipyridyl-6,6′-dicarboxylic acid

Two transition metal complexes, [Cu2(bpdc)2H2O]·2H2O (1) and Zn(bpdc)(H2O)2 (2) (H2bpdc = 2,2′-bipyridine-6,6′-dicarboxylic acid), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Complex 1 is dinuclear with two five-coordinate cupric ions and 2 is mononuclear with one six-coordinate zinc. Interactions of 1 and 2 with DNA have been investigated using UV–Vis absorption spectra. The cleavage reaction on DNA has been monitored by agarose gel electrophoresis.