Dual properties of water-soluble Ru-PTA complexes of dendrimers: Catalysis and interaction with DNA

Phosphorhydrazone dendrimers ended by PTA (1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) derivatives are used for the complexation of ruthenium. The corresponding complexes, either isolated (synthesized ex situ, i.e. preformed) or generated in situ are used as catalysts for the hydration of phenylacetylene in various conditions (ex situ or in situ, quantities, temperature, duration, co-catalyst or not, recycling). The same preformed complexes are tested for their interaction with supercoiled DNA, to afford relaxed DNA.