Photocontrolled nucleobase binding to an organometallic Ru~(II) arene complex

摘要

The complex [(p-cym)Ru(bpm)(py)][PF_6]_2 (where p-cym = para-cymene, bpm = 2,2'-bipyrimidine and py = pyridine) is the first ruthenium(II) arene complex that can selectively photo-dissociate a monodentate ligand (py) when excited with visible light and form a reactive aqua derivative able to bind to a DNA base. Ruthenium(II) arene complexes of general formula [(η~6-arene)Ru(L)(X)~(n+) where L is a bidentate chelating ligand and X is a leaving group (typically a halogen) have been extensively investigated for their promising cytotoxic properties towards various cancer cell lines.