DNA interaction and cytotoxicity of a new asymmetric dimer cobalt(II) complex [Co(phen)2(Cl2)]3(H2O).[Co(phen)2(Cl)(H2O)](Cl)

The new, unusual and asymmetric cobalt(II) complex, [Co(phen) 2 (Cl 2 )]3(H 2 O).[Co(phen) 2 (Cl)(H 2 O)](Cl) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), has been synthesized and characterized structurally by regular spectral and single crystal XRD analysis. An asymmetric complex crystallized in a monoclinic system with space group P21/c, a = 14.093(5) Å, b = 24.089(5) Å, c = 14.241(5) Å, α = 90.000(5) ° , β = 98.010(5) ° , and γ = 90.000(5) ° . DNA binding interactions of complex with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has investigated by UV-Vis absorption, ethidium bromide displacement assay, viscometric and cyclic voltammetric titrations, and the results infer an intercalation mode of binding. Complex cleaves effectively plasmid pBR322 DNA, and exhibits remarkable cytotoxic activity against human colon cancer cell line (HCT15). SYNOPSIS: A new asymmetric cobalt(II) complex, [Co(phen) 2 (Cl 2 )]3(H 2 O).[Co(phen) 2 (Cl)(H 2 O)](Cl) (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline), has been synthesized from the reaction of cobalt(II) chloride and phenanthroline, and characterized by routine techniques including single crystal XRD. The complex possess better binding and cleaving ability with CT-DNA and plasmid DNA, respectively. In addition, complex show significant anticancer activity against human colon cancer cell lines HCT15. • A new asymmetric cobalt(II) complex have synthesized and characterized by XRD analysis. • XRD analysis show independent ionic and neutral Co(II) complexes crystallized in one asymmetric unit. • Cobalt(II) complex interacts with CT-DNA through intercalation mode of binding. • Complex shows effective anticancer potency against HCT15 cancer cell lines.