Progress in the Synthesis and Bioactivity of Hexacoordinate Silicon(IV) Complexes

(Arenediolato)bis(polypyridyl)silicon(IV) complexes contain hexacoordinate silicon and are surprisingly stable against hydrolysis in water. In an ongoing research program, we are aiming to exploit them as new structural templates for the design of bioactive compounds. As a follow‐up to previous work, here we present our progress in the synthesis of hexacoordinate silicon complexes by selective ortho‐double nitration of the electron‐rich catecholato ligand, followed by reduction to diamines and condensation either with 1,2‐diketones or with aldehydes. Binding epitopes of some representative complexes to G‐quadruplex DNA as determined by NMR spectroscopic titration are presented. (Arenediolato)bis(polypyridyl)silicon(IV) complexes were selectively functionalized through a bis‐nitration/reduction/condensation protocol and investigated for their binding to DNA G‐quadruplexes.