Reduced amino acid Schiff base containing ruthenium(III) complexes: Synthesis,characterization, DNA interaction,and in vitro cytotoxicity

A number of reduced amino Schiff base ligands and corresponding ruthenium(III) complexes were designed and prepared based on the fact that amino acids not only possess multiple coordinate atoms but also improve the solubility of drugs in the body. The interaction of the complexes with calf thymus DNA was analyzed with spectroscopic methods of ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectra, DNA competitive binding with ethidium bromide, circular dichroism spectra, and DNA melting experiments, and DNA viscosity measurements, indicating that the complexes bind to DNA primarily in the grooving mode. With respect to the ligands, the cytotoxicity in vitro of the complexes against Hela, A549, and MCF‐7 cells was much enhanced, with most of the IC₅₀ values less than 50 μM or even comparable with those of cisplatin.     

Synthesis and characterization of heteroscorpionate dioxo-tungsten(VI) complexes

Twelve new dioxo W(VI) complexes of a family of heteroscorpionate ligands of the type [(L)WO₂Y], where L = N₂X ligand and Y = Cl or OR, have been synthesized and characterized. With the more sterically bulky ligands we show that these complexes exist as isolable cis and trans isomers and compare the rate of such isomerization with their corresponding dioxo Mo(VI) analogs.     

Copper(II) complexes of salicylaldehyde hydrazones: synthesis, structure, and DNA interaction

Three hydrazone ligands, H2L1-H2L3, made from salicylaldehyde and ibuprofen- or naproxen-derived hydrazides, were prepared and transformed into the corresponding copper(II) complexes [Cu(II)L1] x H2O, [Cu(II)L2], and [(Cu(II))2(L3)2] x H2O x DMF (Scheme). The X-ray crystal structure of the last-mentioned complex was solved (Fig. 1), showing a square-planar complexation geometry, and the single units were found to form a one-dimensional chain structure (Fig. 2). The interactions of these complexes with CT-DNA were studied by different techniques, indicating that they all bind to DNA by classical and/or non-classical intercalation modes.     

Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of new homotrinuclear copper(II) complexes

Two new mononuclear bis(oxamato) complexes with the formula [nBu₄N]₂[M(nabo)] M = Ni (4), Cu (5), with nabo = 2,3-naphthalene-bis(oxamato) have been synthesized as precursors for trinuclear oxamato-bridged transition metal complexes. Starting from 5 the homo-trinuclear complex [Cu₃(nabo)(pmdta)₂(BF₄)](BF₄) · MeCN · Et₂O (7), with pmdta = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, has been prepared. The central N,N′-2,3-naphthalene bridge of 7 is so far the most extended π-conjugated bridge of trinuclear bis(oxamato) type transition metal complexes. The goal of this work was to verify the N,N′-2,3-naphthalene bridge of 7 on its magnetic properties in comparison to the N,N′-o-phenylene bridge of the related homo-trinuclear complex [Cu₃(opba)(pmdta)₂(NO₃)](NO₃) · 2MeCN (6) (opba = o-phenylene-bis(oxamato)). The crystal structures of 4-7 were solved. The magnetic properties of 6 and 7 were studied by susceptibility measurements versus temperature. For the intramolecular J parameter, values of −89 cm⁻¹ (6) and −113 cm⁻¹ (7) were obtained. The different J values are discussed based on the crystal structures of 6 and 7.     

DNA interaction and cytotoxicity studies of new ruthenium(II) cyclopentadienyl derivative complexes containing heteroaromatic ligands

Four ruthenium(II) complexes with the formula [Ru(η⁵-C₅H₅)(PP)L][CF₃SO₃], being (PP = two triphenylphosphine molecules), L = 1-benzylimidazole, ; (PP = two triphenylphosphine molecules), L = 2,2′bipyridine, ; (PP = two triphenylphosphine molecules), L = 4-Methylpyridine, ; (PP = 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphine)ethane), L = 4-Methylpyridine, , were prepared, in view to evaluate their potentialities as antitumor agents. The compounds were completely characterized by NMR spectroscopy and their crystal and molecular structures were determined by X-ray diffraction. Electrochemical studies were carried out giving for all the compounds quasi-reversible processes. The images obtained by atomic force microscopy (AFM) suggest interaction with pBR322 plasmid DNA. Measurements of the viscosity of solutions of free DNA and DNA incubated with different concentrations of the compounds confirmed this interaction. The cytotoxicity of compounds 1234 was much higher than that of cisplatin against human leukemia cancer cells (HL-60 cells). IC₅₀ values for all the compounds are in the range of submicromolar amounts. Apoptotic death percentage was also studied resulting similar than that of cisplatin.     

Interactions of mixed ligand ruthenium(II) complexes containing an amino acid and 1,10-phenanthroline with DNA

Mixed ligand ruthenium(II) complexes containing an amino acid (AA) and 1,10-phenanthroline (phen), i.e. [Ru(AA)(phen)₂]ⁿ⁺ (n=1,2, AA=glycine (gly), l-alanine (l-ala), l-arginine (l-arg)) have been synthesized. The interactions of these complexes and [Ru(phen)₃]²⁺ with DNA have been examined by absorption, luminescence, and circular dichroism spectroscopic methods. Absorption spectral properties revealed that [Ru(AA)(phen)₂]⁺ (AA=gly, l-ala) interacted with CT-DNA by the electrostatic binding mode. [Ru(l-arg)(phen)₂]²⁺ exhibited the greatest hypochromicity, red shift, and binding constant, indicating that this complex may partially intercalate into the base-pairs of DNA. These results were also suggested by luminescence spectroscopy. CD spectral properties have been examined to understand the detailed interactions of the ruthenium(II) complexes with artificial DNA. In the case of Δ-[Ru(l-arg)(phen)₂]²⁺, the solution on adding [poly(dG-dC)]₂ exhibited two well-defined positive peaks, which the shorter and longer wavelength peaks were assigned as originating from the major and the minor groove binding modes, respectively. Then, the solution on adding [poly(dA-dT)]₂ exhibited only one positive peak, which was assigned as a peak corresponding to the minor groove binding mode.     

DNA conformational changes and cleavage by ruthenium(II) nitrofurylsemicarbazone complexes

Metal complexes that establish interactions with DNA are being studied not only because of their potential use as therapeutic agents but also as tools for biochemistry and molecular biology. Searching for drugs with anti-trypanosome activity, we previously synthesized a series of ruthenium mixed ligand dimethyl sulfoxide complexes of the type [Ru(II)Cl(2)(DMSO)(2)L], where L is 5-nitrofurylsemicarbazone derivatives and DMSO is dimethyl sulfoxide. Though they present the ability to bind DNA, no activity against parasites in cell culture was observed. Considering their potential application as molecular tools we further analyzed the interactions with DNA through an electrophoretic approach. Non covalent withdrawal of superhelicity and a rapid nicking activity upon covalent interaction was observed. Inhibition of both effects was observed in the presence of distamycin suggesting the involvement of the DNA minor groove in the interaction with the nitrofurylsemicarbazone ruthenium complexes. In addition cleavage inhibition by dimethyl sulfoxide suggests an oxidative mechanism of action.     

Synthesis, characterization, DFT studies and DNA binding of mixed platinum (II) complexes containing quinoxaline and 1,2-dithiolate ligands

The complexes Pt(pq)Cl2(1) and Pt(pq)(bdt) (2) (where pq = 2-(2'pyridyl)quinoxaline and bdt=benzene-1,2-dithiolate) have been synthesized and fully characterized by UV-visible (UV-Vis), Fourier Transformer Infrared Spectra (FTIR), 1 and 2D NMR and cyclic voltammetry (CV). Interactions of the tested systems (the aforementioned complexes 1 and 2) and the free ligands pq and bdt with double stranded calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) were studied by UV-spectrophotometric (melting curves) and circular dichroism (CD) measurements. The results suggest that both complexes 1 and 2, are able to form adducts with DNA and to distort the double helix by changing the base stacking. Complex 2 forms stronger adducts to CT-DNA than complex 1 and this is probably due to the substitution of the chlorine atoms of 1 by the 1,2-dithiolate ligand (bdt) in 2. The latter induces an extensive distortion in the planarity of 2 as density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal. Besides, the light absorbing complex 2 possess intense mixed metal ligand to ligand charge transfer (MM'LLCT) transition in the visible region of the spectrum and could act as photoluminescent metal-based probe for the study of DNA binding. Thus, the photocleavage of DNA by 2 has been studied by UV-Vis and CD spectra and monitored by agarose gel electrophoresis. Under our experimental conditions, it is unclear that complex 2 can photocleave DNA. Furthermore, the ability of 2 to inhibit proliferation of human tumor cell lines was tested and the results indicate some cytoxytic effect on the SF-286 cells.     

(Pyrazolylmethyl)pyridine platinum(II) and gold(III) complexes: Synthesis, structures and evaluation as anticancer agents

Reactions of 2-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L1), 2-(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L2), 2-(3,5-di-tert-butylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L3) and 2-(3-p-tolylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L4) with K₂[PtCl₄] in a mixture of ethanol and water formed the dichloro platinum complexes [PtCl₂(L1)] (1), [PtCl₂(L2)] (2), [PtCl₂(L3)] (3) and [PtCl₂(L4)] (4). Complex 1, [PtCl₂(L1)], could also be prepared in a mixture of acetone and water. Performing the reactions of L2 and L3 in a mixture of acetone and water, however, led to C-H activation of acetone under mild conditions to form the neutral acetonyl complexes [Pt(CH₂COCH₃)Cl(L2)] (2a) and [Pt(CH₂COCH₃)Cl(L3)] (3a). The same ligands reacted with HAuCl₄ · 4H₂O in a mixture of ethanol and water to form the gold salts [AuCl₂(L1)][AuCl₄] (5) [AuCl₂(L2)][Cl] (6) [AuCl₂(L3)][Cl] (7) and [AuCl₂(L4)][AuCl₄] (8); however, with the pyrazolyl unit in the para position of the pyridinyl ring in 4-(3,5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L5), 4-(3,5-diphenylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)pyridine (L6) neutral gold complexes [AuCl₃(L5)] (9) and [AuCl₂(L6)] (10) were formed; signifying the role the position of the pyrazolyl group plays in product formation in the gold reactions. X-ray crystallographic structural determination of L6, 2, 33a, 8 and 10 were very important in confirming the structures of these compounds; particularly for 3a and 8 where the presence of the acetonyl group confirmed C-H activation and for 8 where the counter ion is . Cytotoxicity studies of L2, L4 and complexes 1-10 against HeLa cells showed the Au complexes were much less active than the Pt complexes.     

Synthesis,characterization, cytotoxicity,and DNA binding of some new platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes with benzimidazole ligands

In this study, two Pt(II) and three Pt(IV) complexes with the structures of [PtL₂Cl₂] (1), [PtL₂I₂] (2), [PtL₂Cl₂(OH)₂] (3), [PtL₂Cl₂(OCOCH₃)₂] (4), and [PtL₂Cl₄] (5) (L = benzimidazole as carrier ligand) were synthesized and evaluated for their in vitro antiproliferative activities against the human MCF-7, HeLa, and HEp-2 cancer cell lines. The influence of compounds 1–5 on the tertiary structure of DNA was determined by their ability to modify the electrophoretic mobility of the form I and II bands of pBR322 plasmid DNA. The inhibition of BamH1 restriction enzyme activity of compounds 1–5 was also determined. In general, it was found that compounds 1–5 were less active than cisplatin and carboplatin against MCF-7 and HeLa cell lines (except for 1, which was found to be more active than carboplatin against the MCF-7 cell line). Compounds 1 and 3 were found to be significantly more active than cisplatin and carboplatin against the HEp-2 cell line.     

Copper(II) complexes with tridentate pyrazole-based ligands: synthesis, characterization, DNA cleavage activity and cytotoxicity

Tridentate pyrazole-containing ligands of the Schiff base type, SalPz — HL¹, Cl₂SalPz — HL² and I₂SalPz — HL³, were used to prepare a series of new Cu(II) complexes (CuSalPz — 1, CuCl₂SalPz — 2 and CuI₂SalPz — 3). These new complexes have been studied by different analytical techniques (electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS), elemental analysis, FT-IR and EPR). The spectroscopic properties of 1-3 are consistent with the formation of Cu(II) complexes coordinated by monoanionic and tridentate (N,N,O)-chelators, behaving as monomeric species in aqueous solution, as shown by EPR studies. Crystals of 2 and 3, obtained by slow concentration of methanolic solutions of the compounds, were also analyzed by X-ray diffraction analysis. The X-ray structural study has shown that 2 crystallized as a dinuclear compound, [Cu₂(μ-Cl)₂(Cl₂SalPz)₂], while the solid state structure determined for 3 is best described by monomeric units of [CuCl(I₂SalPz)] displaying short Cu···Cl intermolecular contacts. The in vitro evaluation of 1-3 comprised the study of their DNA-cleaving ability using plasmid DNA and the assessment of their cytotoxic activity against several human cancer cell lines (PC-3 prostate, MCF-7 breast and A2780 and A2780cisR-ovary). The studies with plasmid DNA have shown that 2 and 3 induce extensive DNA cleavage in the presence of different additives. The cytotoxic activity of 2 and 3 is comparable to the one presented by cisplatin, with the exception of the A2780 cell line where cisplatin is more active. It has been found that the introduction of halogen substituents in the phenolate rings of the chelators enhanced the cytotoxicity of the respective Cu(II) complexes.     

Synthesis, characterization, and magnetic properties of new binuclear CuCu bis(oxamato) complexes

Two new neutral, binuclear Cu^IICu^II bis(oxamato) complexes with the formula [Cu₂(opba)(pmdta)(MeOH)] · 1/2MeOH · dmf (3) and [Cu₂(nabo)(pmdta)(MeOH)] (4), with opba = o-phenylene-bis(oxamato), nabo = 2,3-naphthalene-bis(oxamato), pmdta = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine and dmf = dimethylformamide have been synthesized and their crystal structures have been determined. The structure of 3 consists of dimeric [Cu₂(opba)(pmdta)(MeOH)] entities, joined together by mutual intermolecular Cu?O contacts of the Cu²⁺ ion of one [Cu(opba)]²⁻ complex fragment and one carboxylate atom of the oxamato group of a second [Cu(opba)]²⁻ complex fragment. The structure of 4 consists of neutral binuclear complexes joined together by hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions, giving rise to an unique supramolecular 1D-chain. The magnetic properties of 3 and 4 were studied by susceptibility measurements versus temperature. For the intramolecular J parameter, identical values of (−114 ± 2) cm⁻¹ (3) and (−112 ± 2) cm⁻¹ (4) were obtained.     

Mixed-ligand complexes of ruthenium(II) containing new photoactive or electroactive ligands: synthesis, spectral characterization and DNA interactions

Mixed-ligand ruthenium(II) complexes of three photoactive ligands, viz., (E)-1-[2-(4-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-pyridyl]-2-(1-naphthyl)-1-ethene (mppne), (E)-1-(9-anthryl)-2-[2-(4-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-pyridyl]-1-ethene (mppae) and (E)-1-[2-(4-methyl-2-pyridyl)-4-pyridyl]-2-(1-pyrenyl)-1-ethene (mpppe), in which a 2,2′-bipyridyl unit is linked via an ethylinic linkage to either a naphthalene, an anthracene or a pyrene chromophore and three electroactive ligands, viz., 4-(4-pyridyl)-1,2-benzenediol (catpy), 5,6-dihydroxy-1,10-phenanthroline (catphen) and 1,2-benzenediol (cat), were synthesized in good to moderate yields. Complexes [Ru(bpy)₂(mppne)]²⁺ (bpy is 2, 2′–bipyridyl), [Ru(bpy)₂(mppae)]²⁺, [Ru(bpy)₂(mpppe)]²⁺, [Ru(bpy)₂(sq-py)]⁺, [Ru(bpy)₂(sq-phen)]⁺ and [Ru(phen)₂(bsq)]⁺ (phen is 1,10-phenanthroline) were fully characterized by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H NMR, fast-atom bombardment or electron-impact mass, UV–vis and cyclic voltammetric methods. In the latter three complexes, the ligands catpy, catphen and cat are actually bound to the metal center as the corresponding semiquinone species, viz., 4-(4-pyridyl)-1,2-benzenedioleto(+I) (sq-py), 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dioleto(+I) (sq-phen) and 1,2-benzenedioleto(+I) (bsq), thus making the overall charge of the complexes formally equal to + 1 in each case. These three complexes are electron paramagnetic resonance active and exhibit an intense absorption band between 941 and 958 nm owing to metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT, d _Ru→π*_sq) transitions. The other three ruthenium(II) complexes containing three photoactive ligands, mppne, mppae and mpppe, exhibit MLCT (d _Ru→π*_bpy ) bands in the 454–461-nm region and are diamagnetic. These can be characterized by the ¹H NMR method. [Ru(bpy)₂(mppne)]²⁺, [Ru(bpy)₂(mppae)]²⁺ and [Ru(bpy)₂(mpppe)]²⁺ exhibit redox waves corresponding to the Ru^III/Ru^II couple along with the expected ligand (bpy and substituted bpy) based ones in their cyclic and differential pulse voltammograms (CH₃CN, 0.1 M tetrabutylammonium hexafluorophosphate)—corresponding voltammograms of [Ru(bpy)₂(sq-py)]⁺, [Ru(bpy)₂(sq-phen)]⁺ and [Ru(phen)₂(bsq)]⁺ are mainly characterized by waves corresponding to the quinone/semiquinone (q/sq) and semiquinone/1,2-diol (sq/cat) redox processes. The results of absorption and fluorescence titration as well as thermal denaturation studies reveal that [Ru(bpy)₂(mppne)]²⁺ and [Ru(bpy)₂(mppae)]²⁺ are moderate-to-strong binders of calf thymus DNA with binding constants ranging from 10⁵ to 10⁶ M⁻¹. Under the identical conditions of drug and light dose, the DNA (supercoiled pBR 322) photocleavage activities of these two complexes follow the order:[Ru(bpy)₂(mppne)]²⁺>[Ru(bpy)₂(mppae)]²⁺, although the emission quantum yields follow the reverse order. The other ruthenium(II) complexes containing the semiquinone-based ligands are found to be nonluminescent and inefficient photocleavage agents of DNA. However, experiments shows that [Ru(bpy)₂(sq)]⁺-based complexes oxidize the sugar unit and could be used as mild oxidants for the sugar moiety of DNA. Possible explanations for these observations are presented.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available for this article at .     

Synthesis, characterization, and magnetic properties of new homotrinuclear bis(oxamato) copper(II) complexes with an asymmetric central N,N′-bridge

The new mononuclear bis(oxamato) complex [n-Bu₄N]₂[Cu(obbo)] (1) (obbo=o-benzyl-bis(oxamato)) has been synthesized as a precursor for trinuclear oxamato-bridged transition metal complexes. Starting from 1 the homotrinuclear complexes [Cu₃(obbo)(pmdta)₂(NO₃)](NO₃)·CH₂Cl₂·H₂O (2) and [Cu₃(obbo)(tmeda)₂(NO₃)₂(dmf)] (3) have been prepared, where pmdta = N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine, tmeda = N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine and dmf = dimethylformamide. The crystal structures of 1-3 were solved. The magnetic properties of 2 and 3 were studied by susceptibility measurements versus temperature. For the intramolecular J parameter values of −111 cm⁻¹ (2) and −363 cm⁻¹ (3) were obtained.     

Synthesis,characterization and DNA binding and cleavage properties of ruthenium(II) complexes with various polypyridyls

Polypyridyl chlororuthenium(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized. The binding mode of the complexes to DNA has been evaluated from the combined results of electronic absorption spectroscopy and viscosity measurement study. The results suggest that complexes 1, 2 and 3 bind to DNA via classical intercalation, electrostatic interaction and partial intercalation mode, respectively. Complex 2 shows less affinity for DNA. Cleavage of pUC19 DNA by complexes has been checked using gel electrophoresis. The data disclose that complex 1 has the highest cleaving ability.     

Diamidato-bis(diphenylphosphino) platinum(II) complexes: Synthesis, characterization, and reactivity in the presence of acid

The reaction of Pt(COD)Cl₂, where COD is 1,5-cyclooctadiene, with one equivalent of a diamidato-bis(phosphino) Trost ligand ((R,R)-2 = N,N′-bis(2-diphenylphosphino-1-benzoyl)-(1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, (R,R)-3 = N,N′-bis(2-diphenylphosphino-1-naphthoyl)-(1R,2R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, or (±)-4 = N,N′-bis(2-diphenylphosphino-1-benzoyl)-1,2-bis(aminobenzene)) in the presence of base afforded square planar diamidato-bis(phosphino) platinum(II) complexes (R,R)-2-Pt, (R,R)-3-Pt, (±)-4-Pt. Characterization of all complexes included the solution and solid state structure determination of each complex based on multinuclear NMR and X-ray analyses, respectively. Stability of the complexes in acid was examined on addition of HCl to (R,R)-2-Pt in chloroform and compared to the unreactive nature of the similar diamidato-bis(phosphino) complex 1-Pt (1 = 1,2-bis-N-[2′-(diphenylphosphino)benzoyl]diamino-benzene) in the presence of acid. Protonation of the bound amidato nitrogen atoms of (R,R)-2-Pt was observed along with decoordination of the nitrogen atoms from the platinum(II) center producing (R,R)-2-PtCl₂ in quantitative yield by NMR analysis. Confirmation of the product was made on comparison of the NMR spectra to that of authentic (R,R)-2-PtCl₂ prepared on reaction of Pt(COD)Cl₂ with (R,R)-2 in CH₂Cl₂ and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and NMR spectroscopy. Results add to the knowledge of rich coordination chemistry of bis(phosphino) ligands with late transition metals, metal-amidato chemistry, and has implications in catalysis.     

Topoisomerase II inhibition activity of new square planar Ni(II) complexes containing N-substituted thiosemicarbazones: Synthesis, spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography and electrochemical characterization

New Ni(II) thiosemicarbazone complexes containing triphenylphosphine namely [Ni(Sal-mtsc)(PPh₃)](2) and [Ni(Nap-mtsc)(PPh₃)] (3) (where Sal-mtsc = salicylaldehyde-N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone and Nap-mtsc = 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde-N(4)-methylthiosemicarbazone) have been synthesised and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of the complexes have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. In all the complexes the thiosemicarbazone ligand coordinated to nickel through ONS mode. The electrochemical behavior of the complexes has been investigated by using cyclic voltammetry in acetonitrile. The new complexes were subjected to test their DNA topoisomerase II inhibition efficiency. The complex [Ni(Nap-mtsc)(PPh₃)] (3) showed 95% inhibition. The observed inhibition activity was found to be more potent than the activity of conventional standard Nalidixic acid.     

Zinc(II) complexes based on sterically hindered hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands: Synthesis, reactivity and solid-state structures

The coordination chemistry and reactivity of zinc(II) complexes supported by monoanionic hydrotris(pyrazolyl)borate ligands substituted by 3,3,3-mesityl groups (Tp^Ms) and 3,3,5-mesityl groups (Tp^Ms∗) have been investigated. Salt metathesis of ZnCl₂, ZnEt₂, and Zn(OAc)₂ with Tl[Tp^Ms] or Tl[Tp^Ms∗] cleanly afforded the corresponding compounds Tp^MsZnCl (1), Tp^MsZnEt (2), Tp^Ms∗ZnEt (3), and Tp^MsZnOAc (5). Compound 3 slowly disproportionates in benzene solution to afford the bis(ligand) complex (κ²-Tp^Ms∗)₂Zn (4). Acetate complex 5 as well as Tp^MsZnOCOPh (6) and [Tp^Ms∗ZnOAc]₂ (7) were alternatively prepared by acidolysis of the parent ethyl complexes (2, 3) with the corresponding carboxylic acid. No reaction was observed between 2 and 3 and alcohols (ROH; R = Et, iPr, Bn), while salt metathesis reactions of ZnEt(OR) with Tl[Tp^Ms] led to 2 instead of the desired zinc-alkoxide complex. Compounds 1-7 were characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, as well as by X-ray diffraction studies for 1, 2, 4, 5 and 7. The former compounds adopt a monomeric structure in the solid state while [Tp^Ms∗ZnOAc]₂ (7) exists as an anti-syn bridged acetate dimer. Complex 4 is four-coordinated, featuring a rare bidentate coordination mode of the Tp^Ms∗ ligands. The results are rationalized in terms of the variable steric constraint around the zinc atom provided by the Tp^Ms and Tp^Ms∗ ligands.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA interaction,and cytotoxicity of novel Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes

Four complexes [Pd(L)(bipy)Cl]·4H₂O (1), [Pd(L)(phen)Cl]·4H₂O (2), [Pt(L)(bipy)Cl]·4H₂O (3), and [Pt(L)(phen)Cl]·4H₂O (4), where L = quinolinic acid, bipy = 2,2’-bipyridyl, and phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, have been synthesized and characterized using IR, ¹H NMR, elemental analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. The binding of the complexes to FS-DNA was investigated by electronic absorption titration and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results indicate that the complexes bind to FS-DNA in an intercalative mode and the intrinsic binding constants K of the title complexes with FS-DNA are about 3.5?×?10⁴ M^?1, 3.9?×?10⁴ M^?1, 6.1?×?10⁴ M^?1, and 1.4?×?10⁵ M^?1, respectively. Also, the four complexes bind to DNA with different binding affinities, in descending order: complex 4, complex 3, complex 2, complex 1. Gel electrophoresis assay demonstrated the ability of the Pt(II) complexes to cleave pBR322 plasmid DNA.     

New Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with N,S-chelated pyrazolonate ligands: molecular and supramolecular structure and preliminary study of their in vitro antitumoral activity

New Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes [ML2] (HL=a substituted 2,5-dihydro-5-oxo-1H-pyrazolone-1-carbothioamide) have been synthesized by reacting K2MCl4 (M=Pd, Pt) or Pd(OAc)2 with beta-ketoester thiosemicarbazones. The structures of seven of these complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction. Although all exhibit a distorted square-planar coordination with trans- or (in one case) cis-[MN2S2] kernels, their supramolecular arrangements vary widely from isolated molecules to 3D-networks. The in vitro antitumoral assays performed with two HL ligands and their metal complexes showed significant cytostatic activity for the latter, with the most active [ML2] derivative (a palladium complex) being about sixteen times more active than cis-DDP against the cisplatinum-resistant cell line A2780cisR.