Unsymmetrical cationic porphyrin that forms sedimentation-unstable complexes with nucleic acids.

[Display omitted] A water-soluble cationic porphyrin containing N -methyl- pyridinium fragments and an indole residue, namely, 5-[4-(1-methylindol-2-yl)phenyl]-10,15,20-tris(1-methyl- pyridinium-3-yl)porphyrin triiodide, has been synthesized. The porphyrin forms sedimentation unstable complexes with low and high molecular weight nucleic acids. This ability to precipitate nucleic acids can be used in laboratory, clinical and research practice for isolating nucleic acids. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]