A mixed-ligand copper(II) complex ((4'-ferrocenyl-2,2':6',2''-terpyridine- k3,N',N'') (1,1'-phenanthroline-k2N,N')-copper(II) bis(perchlorate)) has been synthesized. Binding interactions of the complex with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were investigated by UV-visible and CD spectroscopies. Results show that the copper complex mainly adopt electrostatic attraction binding mode with DNA and the binding constant is (3.22 ± 0.05) × 103 mol-1 L. The complex shows appreciable chemical nuclease activity in the presence of ascorbic acid. The DNA cleavage...
