A V-shaped ligand 1,3-bis(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)-2-oxapropane and its Cu(II) complex: Synthesis, crystal structure, antioxidation and DNA-binding properties

A six-coordinate copper(II) complex with the ligand 1,3-bis(1-methylbenzimidazol-2-yl)-2-oxopropane (Meobb), with composition [Cu(Meobb)2](NO3)2·2CH3OH, has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electrical conductivities, IR, UV–Vis spectral measurements. A study of the electro-chemistry of the copper(II) complex was carried out by using cyclic voltammetry. The molecular structures of the ligand Meobb and the Cu(II) complex were determined by X-ray crystal diffraction. The DNA-binding modes of the ligand and the complex were investigated by electronic absorption titration, ethidium bromide–DNA displacement experiments and viscosity measurements. The experimental evidence indicated the compounds interact with calf thymus DNA through intercalation. Additionally, the Cu(II) complex exhibited potential antioxidant properties in in vitro studies.