Copper(II) complex based on a V-shaped ligand, 2,6- bis (2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine: synthesis, crystal structure, DNA-binding properties, and antioxidant activities

Abstract

A copper(II) complex based on a V-shaped ligand, 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine (bbp), has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, molecular conductivity, ¹H NMR, IR, UV-Vis spectra, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction. The crystal structure of [Cu(bbp)₂](pic)₂ · 2DMF (pic = picrate) shows copper is six-coordinate forming a distorted octahedron. The interaction between Cu(II) complex and DNA was investigated by spectrophotometric methods and viscosity measurement. The experimental results suggest that the Cu(II) complex binds to DNA via intercalation. Antioxidant assay in vitro also shows that the Cu(II) complex possesses significant antioxidant activities.

Keywords:

• 2,6-Bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine
• Copper(II) complex
• Crystal structure
• DNA-binding property
• Antioxidant

Acknowledgments

The authors acknowledge the financial support and grant from “Qing Lan” Talent Engineering Funds by Lanzhou Jiaotong University. The grant from “Long Yuan Qing Nian” of Gansu Province is also acknowledged.