A new Cr(III) complex with the empirical formula [Cr(Schiff base) (H(2)O)(2)]ClO(4), where the Schiff base is 2, 3-bis¿[(2-hydroxy-4-diethylamino) (phenyl) (methylene)]amino¿2-butenedinitrile has been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically. Binding of this complex to DNA has been studied using UV-visible spectroscopy. The complex has been found to bind to the major groove of DNA with a binding constant, K = (1.3 +/- 0.2) x 10(3) M(-1). The induced CD spectrum of the complex in the presence of DNA is also indicative of major groove binding. Gel electrophoresis of plasmid DNA in the presence of the complex shows that the complex brings about nicking of the DNA.