Synthesis, crystal structure, solid-state fluorescence, and interaction with DNA of mononuclear La(III) complex: La (Phen)2L2(NO3)

La atom allows the formation of a 10-coordinate distorted-triangle tetrakaidecahedron geometry in the complex. A mononuclear complex, La(Phen)(2)L-2(NO3) (Phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, L = 2-ethylphenylacetic acid), was synthesized by the reaction of La(NO3)(3)center dot H2O, Phen and L at room temperature. The central ion shows 10-coordination with two Phen and two L molecules. Elemental analysis, IR spectra, and X-ray single-crystal diffraction were carried out to determine the composition and crystal structure. Solid fluorescence shows the luminescent properties of the complex. DNA-binding properties of the complex were examined by fluorescence spectra. The capability of cleavage of pBR322 DNA by the complex was investigated by agarose gel electrophoresis, showing cleaving efficiency.