DNA-binding behavior of viologen-containing, electrochemically active intercalaors

The binding behavior to DNA of bis-9-acridinyl derivatives, 1 and 2, which contain one and two viologen units, respectively, was investigated by voltammetric methods. The changes in the cyclic voltammetric behavior of 1 and 2 bound to DNA support the importance of electrostatic interactions when 1 and 2 become bound to DNA.