V-shaped ligand 1,3-bis(1-ethylbenzimidazol-2-yl)-2-thiapropane and manganese(II), cobalt(II) and copper(II) complexes: Synthesis, crystal structure, DNA-binding properties and antioxidant activities

Three new transition metal complexes have been synthesized and characterized systematically. The ligand and its complexes bind to DNA in an intercalation mode. The Cu(II) complex has a strong potential to be applied as scavengers to eliminate the radicals. [Display omitted] •Three new transition metal complexes with V-shaped bis-benzimidazole thioether have been synthesized and characterized.•The ligand and its complexes bind to DNA in an intercalation mode and the order of the binding affinity is bebt>3>2>1.•The Cu(II) complex has the preferable ability to scavenge hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical. A V-shaped ligand 1,3-bis(1-ethylbenzimidazol-2-yl)-2-thiapropane (bebt) and its transition metal complexes, [Mn(bebt)(pic)2]·CH3OH (pic=picrate) 1, [Co(bebt)2](pic)22 and [Cu(bebt)2](pic)2·2DMF 3, have been synthesized and characterized. The coordinate forms of complexes 1 and 2 are basically alike, which can be described as six-coordinated distorted octahedron. The geometric structure around Cu(II) atom can be described as distorted tetrahedral in complex 3. The DNA-binding properties of the ligand bebt and complexes have been investigated by electronic absorption, fluorescence, and viscosity measurements. The results suggest that bebt and complexes bind to DNA via an intercalative binding mode and the order of the binding affinity is 1