The formation of heterobimetallic ruthenium?complex was investigated by absorption and emission spectra. As an intercalator of DNA, the luminescent monometallic ruthenium?complex [Ru(bpy)2tpphz]2+could coordinate with Zn2+to form the nonluminescent heterobimetallic complex [Ru(bpy)2(tpphz)Zn]4+. The emission intensity of complex decreased as increasing the amounts of Zn2+and the luminescence was almost lost at the ratio of / of 1. After binding to DNA, the peripheral coordination site on the tpphz ligand remained accessible for Zn2+, the coordination occurred from the oppsite side of helix with respect to intercalated [Ru(bpy)2tpphz]2+and the nonluminescent heterobimetallic complex was formed. On the other hand, the [Ru(bpy)2(tpphz)Zn]4+also bound to DNA by intercalation and situated the region of the intercalated [Ru(bpy)2tpphz]2+between the base pairs of DNA. The complex looked like a molecular nut (the Zn2+) and bolt (the [Ru(bpy)2tpphz]2+).
