A Zn(II) Complex based in Polypyridyl-Functionalized Dihydropyrimidinone: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and DNA Binding Studies

Dihydropyrimidinones (DHPMs) are heterocyclic compounds of recognized pharmacological relevance due to their wide range of biological activities. In this study, a Zn(II) complex derived from DHPMs functionalized at the C-6 position with the polypyridyl system bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine (bpma) was synthesized and characterized, and its interaction with DNA was evaluated. The DHPM scaffold was synthesized via the Biginelli reaction, followed by selective halogenation and microwave-assisted nucleophilic substitution to afford the DHPM-bpma ligand. Structural characterization was performed using FTIR spectroscopy and one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The formation of the [Zn(DHPM-bpma)Cl₂] complex was confirmed by FTIR, NMR, and molar conductivity measurements, indicating a neutral complex with chloride ions coordinated to the metal center. Spectrophotometric studies using salmon sperm DNA revealed moderate binding affinity (Kb ~10³ L mol⁻¹), highlighting the compound's pharmacological potential. Additional studies about characterization of the complex and its interaction with bovine serum albumin are in progress.