A novel azopyridine-based Ru(II) complex [Ru(bpy)2(L1)2]2+ (bpy = 2,2’-bipyridine, L1 = 4,4’-azopyridine) was designed and synthesized as a potential glutathione (GSH)-responsive photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) agent, the DNA covalent binding capability of which can be only activated after GSH reduction and visible light irradiation. 

Chem. Commun., 2015