Pushing the limit: synthesis, photophysical and DNA binding studies of a NIR-emitting Ru(II)-polypyridyl probe with 'light switch' behaviour

The new Ru(II) polypyridyl complex 1 was synthesised using microwave irradiation from the new polypyridyl ligand 2 'DipyTAP', and its photophysical properties, and DNA binding abilities were investigated using various spectroscopic techniques; and 1 was shown to act as a 'NIR molecular light switch' for DNA with an emission window between 680 and 860 nm.