Crystal Structures of DNA Intercalating Agents Dipyrido[3,2-f:2′,3′-h]quinoxaline (dpq), (Benzo[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.