DNA Binding and Cleavage Studies.

A novel tridentate chelating ligand, (2Z,2Z)-3,3-dimethyl-2-(2-(2-oxoindolin-3-ylidene)hydrazono)butanoic acid and its Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, spectral (vibrational, electronic, 1H NMR, 13C NMR and mass) and thermal studies. The interaction of ligand and complexes with calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA) has been extensively studied using absorption, emission, viscosity and thermal denaturation studies with E. coli DNA. The DNA cleavage ability of ligand and metal complexes were tested using plasmid pBR322 DNA by gel electrophoresis method.