Selective Binding and Cleavage of DNA by Stereoisomers of N,N-Bis (phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine Conjugates, and Their Copper Complexes

Stereoisomers, trans-RR, trans-SS, and cis forms, of N,Nʹ-bis(phenanthrolin-2-yl)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine conjugates were prepared, and their DNA binding activity was evaluated. The copper complexes of the conjugates (ligand:Cu(II) = 1:1 and 1:2) cleave DNA in the same order of the DNA binding activity of the conjugates, trans-RR > cis > trans-SS.