Antioxidation and DNA binding properties of binuclear Nd(III) complexes with Schiff-base ligands derived from 8-hydroxyquinoline-2-carboxyaldehyde and four aroylhydrazides

Nd(III) and four Schiff-base ligands can form binuclear nine-coordination [NdL1–4(NO3)(DMF)2]2 complexes with 1:1 metal-to-ligand stoichiometry at Nd(III) center. All the ligands and Nd(III) complexes may be used as potential anticancer drugs, binding to Calf thymus DNA through intercalations with the binding constants at the order of magnitude 105–106 M−1. In addition, Nd(III) complexes present stronger affinities to DNA than ligands. All the ligands and Nd(III) complexes have strong scavenging effects for hydroxyl radicals and superoxide radicals.