Synthesis, characterization, and DNA interaction of mononuclear copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes having a hard-soft NS donor ligand.

Knoevenagel condensate-based Schiff base ligands (L) containing N and S donor sites have been designed and synthesized [L = 3-cinnamalideneacetylacetonethiosemicarbazone (CAT)/3-cinnamalideneacetylacetoneethylthiosemicarbazone (CAET)/3-cinnamalideneacetylacetonephenylthiosemicarbazone (CAPT)]. They afford complexes of the type [ML] [M = Cu(II) and Zn(II)]. Both the ligands and their complexes were characterized by analytical and spectral data. Intercalative binding of these complexes with DNA has been investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, cyclic voltammetry, and differential pulse voltammetry. Electrophoretic study of the complexes indicates that they efficiently cleave supercoiled pUC19 DNA in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]