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Abstract

A mononuclear copper(II) complex [Cu(bpy) 2 (NO 3 )] NO 3 H 2 O (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) has been synthesized and characterized based on physico-chemical spectral data. The complex is characterized based on electronic, IR and ESR spectroscopies. The structure of the complex is determined by single crystal X-Ray crystallography. The complex crystallizes in monoclinic space group P-1. Structural analysis reveals that the complex adopts square pyramidal geometry with CuN 4 O chromophore. The interactions of these complexes with calf thymus DNA have been investigated using absorption spectrophotometry. The high binding constant 4.89 x 10 6 M -1 may be due to the strong electrostatic attraction between the cationic complex and the negatively charged phosphodiester backbone of DNA. Nuclease activities of complexes are investigated on double stranded pBR322 plasmid DNA using gel electrophoresis experiments under different conditions. The complex cleaves DNA more effectively in the presence of oxidant.