Synthesis, characterization, DNA binding properties and antioxidant activity of Ln(III) complexes with Schiff base ligand derived from 3-carbaldehyde chromone and aminophenazone.

A novel Schiff base ligand, chromone-3-carbaldehyde-aminophenazone (L) and its Ln(III) (Ln = La, Yb) complexes were synthesized and characterized by physicochemical methods. The interaction between the ligand, Ln(III) complexes and calf thymus DNA in physiological buffer (pH=7.10) was investigated by using UV-vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectra, ethidium bromide experiments and viscosity measurements, indicating that the studied compounds can all bind to DNA via an intercalation binding mode and the complexes have stronger binding affinity than the free ligand alone. Furthermore, antioxidant activity of the ligand and its complexes was determined by superoxide and hydroxyl radical scavenging methods in vitro, suggesting that Ln(III) complexes inhibit stronger antioxidant activity than the ligand alone and some standard antioxidants, such as mannitol and vitamin C.