The binding of the ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(bpy) 2 (ITAP)](ClO 4 ) 2 (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) and [Ru(phen) 2 (ITAP)](ClO 4 ) 2 (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, ,4,8,9-tetraazatriphenylene) to calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) have been investigated with UVvisible and emission spectroscopy, viscosity measurements, thermal denaturation, and photoactivated cleavage. The experimental results indicate that the two complexes bind to CT-DNA through an intercalative mode. The two Ru(II) complexes in the presence of plasmid pBR322 DNA have been found to give rise to nicking of DNA upon irradiation.