CCDC 2202472: Experimental Crystal Structure Determination

An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.,Related Article: M.R. Shevlin, E.E. Stumbo, C.D. McMillen, J.A. Pienkos|2022|IUCrData|7|x220830|doi:10.1107/S241431462200830

Crystal Structures of DNA Intercalating Agents Dipyrido[3,2-f:2′,3′-h]quinoxaline (dpq), (Benzo[<i>i</i>]dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′c]phenazine (dppn), and [Ir(ppy)₂(dppn)][PF₆] (Where Hppy = 2-Phenylpyridine)

Pyrazino-phenanthroline ligands are commonly used with transition metals as DNA intercalation agents. Herein, we report the characterization of two commonly utilized pyrazino-phenanthroline ligands, dipyrido[3,2-f:2′,3′-h]quinoxaline (dpq) and (benzo[i]dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′c]phenazine (dppn), by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Additionally, the characterization of [Ir(ppy)2(dppn)][PF6], where Hppy = 2-phenylpyridine, by single-crystal X-ray diffraction is described. Both the dpq and dppn ligands crystallize as chloroform solvates where the chloroform molecule occupies the equivalent binding pocket of a metal in metal complexes of these ligands. These pyrazino-phenanthrolines are largely planar, with the dppn ligand displaying a slight twist. When the dppn ligand is coordinated to iridium(III), the dppn ligand on the resulting complex displays a significant degree of bending along the longitudinal direction of the ligand. This iridium (III) complex crystallizes as a CH2Cl2 and Et2O solvate and due to the volatility of these solvents these crystals are only stable for a few seconds outside of the mother liquor. The structures of the free ligands and the [Ir(ppy)2(dppn)][PF6] complex all display extensive π stacking interactions