Synthesis, characterization and DNA-binding properties of Ln(III) complexes with 6-ethoxy chromone-3-carbaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone.

A novel 6-ethoxy chromone-3-carbaldehyde benzoyl hydrazone (L) and its Ln(III) complexes, [Ln = Sm (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tb (4)], have been synthesized and characterized. The fluorescence properties of the Eu(III) and Sm(III) complexes in solid state and Eu(III) complex in different solutions (DMF, DMSO, methanol and acetonitrile) were investigated. At the same time, the DNA-binding properties of the two complexes are investigated using UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurement. All the experimental evidences indicate that the two complexes can bind to CT-DNA via an intercalation mechanism. Furthermore, antioxidant activity tests in vitro showed that the complexes have significant antioxidative activity against hydroxyl free radicals from the Fenton reaction.