Synthesis, Crystal Structure and DNA-binding Properties of a Nickel(II) Complex with 2, 6-Bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine

A novel complex of nickel(II) picrate (pic) with the V-shaped ligand 2, 6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine (bbp) was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electrical conductivity, and IR and UV/Vis spectral measurements. The crystal structure of the nickel(II) complex ([Ni(bbp)(2)](pic)(2)center dot 2DMF) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The Ni(II) cation is bonded to two bbp ligands through six nitrogen atoms, resulting in a distorted octahedral geometry. The DNA-binding properties of the nickel(II) complex were investigated by electronic absorption and fluorescence spectra and by viscosity measurements. The experimental results suggest that the nickel(II) complex binds to DNA in an intercalation mode.