Synthesis, structures and in vitro cytotoxicity of some cationic cis-platinum(II) complexes containing chelating thiocarbamates

The thiocarbamates 4-RC₆H₄NHC(S)NR₂′ (R = H, Cl; R′ = Me, Et), 4-ClC₆H₄NHC(S)NR (NR = 2-pyridylpiperazine) react with cis-[PtCl₂(PTA)₂] (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) in the presence of base to afford the monocationic platinum(II) complexes cis-[Pt{SC(NR₂′) = NC₆H₄R}(PTA)₂]⁺ (R = H, Cl; R′ = Me, Et), cis-[Pt{SC(NR) = NC₆H₄Cl}(PTA)₂]⁺ (NR = 2-pyridylpiperazine), which were isolated as their PF₆ salts in high yields. The complexes were fully characterised spectroscopically and also by X-ray crystallography. Cytotoxicity of these complexes was studied in vitro in three human cancer cell lines (CH1, A549 and SW480) using the MTT assay.     

Synthesis, structures and in vitro cytotoxicity of some platinum(II) complexes containing thiocarbamate esters

The thiocarbamate esters 4-RC₆H₄NHC(S)OMe (R = H, Cl, OMe, NO₂, Me) react with cis-[PtCl₂(PTA)₂] (PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) in the presence of base to afford the platinum(II) complexes trans-[Pt{SC(OMe)NC₆H₄R}₂(PTA)₂] (R = H, Cl, OMe, NO₂, Me) in high yields. The complexes were fully characterised spectroscopically and, in case of the NO₂ derivate, by X-ray crystallography. Cytotoxicity of these complexes was studied in vitro in four human cancer cell lines (CH1, HT29, A549, SK-OV-3) using the MTT assay. The results show that the Cl substituted derivate is the most potent of these compounds in vitro. Moreover, this derivative is capable of partially circumventing primary cisplatin resistance in ovarian and colon carcinoma cells.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, spectral properties and cytotoxic activity of platinum(II) complexes of 2-acetyl pyridine and pyridine-2-carbaldehyde N(4)-ethyl-thiosemicarbazones

The reactions of Na2PtCl4 with pyridine-2-carbaldehyde and 2-acetyl pyridine N(4)-ethyl-thiosemicarbazones, HFo4Et and HAc4Et respectively, afforded the complexes [Pt(Fo4Et)Cl], [Pt(HFo4Et)2]Cl2, [Pt(Fo4Et)2] and [Pt(Ac4Et)Cl], [Pt(HAc4Et)2]Cl2 x 2H2O, [Pt(Ac4Et)2]. The new complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic studies. The crystal structure of the complex [Pt(Ac4Et)Cl] has been solved. The anion of Ac4E coordinates in a planar conformation to the central platinum(II) through the pyridyl N, azomethine N and thiolato S atoms. Intermolecular hydrogen, non-hydrogen bonds, pi-pi and weak Pt-pi contacts lead to aggregation and a supramolecular assembly. The cytotoxic activity for the platinum(II) complexes in comparison to that of cisplatin and thiosemicarbazones was evaluated in a pair of cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 and A2780/Cp8. The platinum(II) complexes showed a cytotoxic potency in a very low micromolar range and were found able to overcome the cisplatin resistance of A2780/Cp8 cells.     

Enhanced antitumor activity [correction for activitiy] of trans(+/-)-1,2-diaminocyclo- hexaneglutamatoplatinum(II) formulated with stealth liposome

The antitumor platinum(II) compound, [Pt(dach)(Glu)] (dach=trans(+/-)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane, Glu=glutamate) was formulated with a stealth liposome to improve its biological activity. Liposomes were composed of PC/PEG2000-PE/CH (PC=1,2-diacyl-glycero-3-phosphocholine; PEG2000-PE=poly(ethylene glycol)2000-1,2-diacyl-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine; CH=cholesterol) involving different acyl moieties of phospholipids such as DO (dioleoyl), DM (dimyristoyl) or DS (distearoyl) group. Among the different acyl groups in the stealth liposomes, the DM formulation was optimal for the preparation of the liposomal [Pt(dach)(Glu)] at the mole ratio of DMPC/PEG2000-DMPE/CH=50/5/45 and at the weight ratio of drug/lipid=1/20, which is represented as L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)]. In vitro cytotoxicity was examined in sensitive A2780 and ME180 and their cisplatin-resistant A2780/PDD and ME180/PDD cancer cells. L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)] was 2 approximately 3 times more cytotoxic than the free complex [Pt(dach)(Glu)] and cisplatin in sensitive cells, and 4 approximately 8 times more cytotoxic in resistant cells. Thus, the resistance index of L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)] was 1.3 approximately 2 while those of the free complex and cisplatin were 5 approximately 6, which indicates that L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)] overcome the cisplatin resistance in both resistant cells. In vivo antitumor activity was assayed against the L1210/S leukemia. The optimal activities (% T/C) of the free complex and L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)] were >459/20 and >442/200 mg/kg, respectively. Considering the amount of the platinum complex in L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)], the liposomal [Pt(dach)(Glu)] displayed 2-fold higher drug potency than the free complex. The biodistribution experiment using LE52 tumor-bearing mouse showed excellent lung targeting property of L-[Pt(dach)(Glu)].     

Influence of the phosphine arrangement on the reactivity of palladium(II) and platinum(II) polyphosphine complexes with copper(I) chloride

The distorted square-planar complexes [Pd(PNHP)Cl]Cl (1) (PNHP = bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]amine), [M(P₃)Cl]Cl [P₃ = bis[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]phenylphosphine; M = Pd (2), Pt (3)] and [Pt(NP₃)Cl]Cl (5) (NP₃ = tris[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl]amine), coexisting in the later case with a square-pyramidal arrangement, react with one equivalent of CuCl to give the mononuclear heteroionic systems [M(L)Cl](CuCl₂) [L = PNHP, M = Pd (1a); L = P₃, M = Pd (2a), Pt (3a); L = NP₃, M = Pt (5a)]. The crystal structure of 3a confirms that Pt(II) retains the distorted square-planar geometry of 3 in the cation with P₃ acting as tridentate chelating ligand, the central P atom being trans to one chloride. The counter anion is a nearly linear dichlorocuprate(I) ion. However, the five-coordinate complexes [Pd(NP₃)Cl]Cl (4), [M(PP₃)Cl]Cl (M = Pd (6), Pt (7); PP₃ = tris[2-(diphenylphosphino)ethyl] phosphine) containing three fused five-membered chelate rings undergo a ring-opening by interaction with one (4, 6, 7) and two (6, 7) equivalents of CuCl with formation of neutral MCu(L)Cl₃ [L = NP₃, M = Pd (4a); L = PP₃, M = Pd (6a), Pt (7a)] and ionic [MCu(PP₃)Cl₂](CuCl₂) [M = Pd (6b), Pt (7b)] compounds, respectively. The heteronuclear systems were shown by ³¹P NMR to have structures where the phosphines are acting as tridentate chelating ligands to M(II) and monodentate bridging to Cu(I). Further additions of CuCl to the neutral species 6a and 7a in a 1:1 ratio resulted in the achievement of the ionic complexes 6b and 7b with ions as counter anions. It was demonstrated that the formation of heterobimetallic or just mononuclear mixed salt complexes was clearly influenced by the polyphosphine arrangement with the tripodal ligands giving the former compounds. However, complexes [M(NP₃)Cl]Cl constitute one exception and the type of reaction undergone versus CuCl is a function of the d⁸ metal centre.     

Platinum(II) oxalato complexes with adenine-based carrier ligands showing significant in vitro antitumor activity

[Pt(L)₂(ox)] (1), [Pt(2-OMeL)₂(ox)] (2), [Pt(3-OMeL)₂(ox)] (3), [Pt(2,3-diOMeL)₂(ox)] (4), [Pt(2,4-diOMeL)₂(ox)] (5), [Pt(3,4-diOMeL)₂(ox)] (6) and [Pt(3,5-diOMeL)₂(ox)]·4H₂O (7) platinum(II) oxalato (ox) complexes were synthesized using the reaction of potassium bis(oxalato)platinate(II) dihydrate with 2-chloro-N6-(benzyl)-9-isopropyladenine or its benzyl-substituted analogues (nL). The complexes 1-7, which represent the first platinum(II) oxalato complexes involving adenine-based ligands, were fully characterized by various physical methods including multinuclear and two dimensional NMR spectroscopy. A single-crystal X-ray analysis of [Pt(2,4-diOMeL)₂(ox)]·2DMF (5·2DMF; DMF = N,N′-dimethylformamide), proved the slightly distorted square-planar geometry in the vicinity of the Pt(II) ion with one bidentate-coordinated oxalate dianion and two adenine derivatives (nL) coordinated to the Pt(II) centre through the N7 atom of an adenine moiety, thereby giving a PtN₂O₂ donor set. In vitro cytotoxicity of the prepared complexes was tested by an MTT assay against osteosarcoma (HOS) and breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7) human cancer cell lines. The best results were achieved for the complexes 2 and 5 in the case of both cell lines, whose IC₅₀ values equalled 3.6 ± 1.0, and 4.3 ± 2.1 μM (for 2), and 5.4 ± 3.8, and 3.6 ± 2.1 μM (for 5), respectively. The IC₅₀ equals 9.2 ± 1.5 μM against MCF7 cells in the case of 1. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the mentioned complexes significantly exceeded commercially used platinum-based anticancer drugs cisplatin (34.2 ± 6.4 μM and 19.6 ± 4.3 μM) and oxaliplatin (> 50.0 μM for both cancer cell lines).     

Methimazole complexes of platinum(II): Synthesis, characterization and redox behavior

A variety of platinum(II) complexes of methimazole (2-mercapto-1-methylimidazole; HImS = neutral form and ImS = thiolate form), coordinated in both thione and thiolate forms, have been isolated by reacting methimazole with [PtCl(terpy)]Cl (terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″ terpyridine), [PtCl₂(bipy)] (bipy = bipyridine), [PtCl₂(o-phen)] (o-phen = o-phenanthroline), [PtCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] and [PtCl₂(COD)] (COD = 1,5-cyclooctadiene). These complexes were characterized by electronic absorption, IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ¹⁹⁵Pt) spectroscopies. Molecular structure of [Pt(bipy)(HImS)₂]Cl₂·3H₂O (3a·3H₂O) has been established by single crystal X-ray crystallography. Platinum thiolate complex, [Pt(ImS)₂(HImS)₂] (5), could be obtained by treatment of [Pt(HImS)₄]Cl₂ with sodium methoxide in methanol. The solution of 5 in organic solvents yielded bi- and tri-nuclear platinum complexes. The effect of diimine ligands on oxidation of methimazole moiety in the complexes has been studied by electrochemical oxidation and pulse radiolytic oxidation employing specific one-electron oxidant, radical.     

New highly water-soluble rhodium complexes bearing 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) and/or tris(hydroxymethyl) phosphine (THP)

A family of cationic and neutral highly water-soluble rhodium complexes [Cp∗Rh(PTA)₃]Cl₂ (1), [Cp∗RhCl₂(THP)] (2), [Cp∗RhCl(THP)₂]Cl (3), and [Cp∗RhCl(PTA)(THP)]Cl (4) have been synthesised and fully characterised [PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane; THP = tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphine]. Their water-solubility increases as the number of the phosphines coordinated to the metal centre is increased. The X-ray crystal structure of compound 2 was obtained and shows the presence of intermolecular hydrogen bonding. NMR speciation studies of [Cp∗RhCl₂(PTA)] in deuterated water show the existence of several equilibria involving substitution processes in which the water molecules can substitute both chloride and PTA ligands.     

Platinum (II) and palladium (II) 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane (PTA) complexes as intramolecular hydroamination catalysts in aqueous and organic media

Complexes of the general formula cis-[MX₂(PTA)₂] (M = Pd, Pt; X = Cl, Br, I; PTA = 1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphaadamantane) were used to study the catalytic intramolecular hydroamination/cyclization of 4-pentyn-1-amine into 2-methyl-pyrroline in water, methanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). Kinetic data were measured via ¹H NMR under homogeneous conditions at 50 °C and showed the following trends in rate: (i) Fastest rates were observed in D₂O. (ii) The Pd complexes of this study produced faster rates than the Pt complexes. (iii) The identity of the halide had no effect on the catalytic rate. Cyclization by the catalytic precursor cis-[PdCl₂(PTA)₂] (4) in D₂O was zero-order in substrate and first-order in metal complex with ΔH^‡ = 20.0 ± 2.1 kcal/mol, ΔS^‡ = −7.4 ± 6.3 cal/mol K, and E_a = 20.6 ± 2.1 kcal/mol. The acetylide complex, trans-[Pt(CC(CH₂)₃NH₂)₂(PTA)₂] (6) precipitated from a catalytic mixture involving cis-[PtBr₂(PTA)₂] (2). Spectroscopic and kinetic studies indicated that 6 and its cis analog, 7, were the predominant species in solution and that they were both active catalysts for the cyclization reaction. These data, in conjunction with the rate trends, indicated that the mechanism of the Pd(II) and Pt(II) catalyzed hydroamination of terminal alkynylamines in aqueous solution followed a unique mechanism with cyclization of an acetylenic-amine ligand being rate determining.     

Synthesis, structure and cytotoxicity studies of diisopropylammonium and triethylammonium salts of triphenylphosphinegold(I) sulfanylcarboxylates

Compounds of the type [HQ][Au(PPh₃)(xspa)] and [HP][Au(PPh₃)(xspa)] {HQ = diisopropylammonium; HP = triethylammonium; H₂xspa = 3-aryl-2-sulfanylpropenoic acids [x: p = 3-phenyl-, f = 3-(2-furyl)-, t = 3-(2-thienyl)-, -o-py = 3-(2-pyridyl)-, Clp = 3-(2-chlorophenyl)-, -o-mp = 3-(2-methoxyphenyl)-, -p-mp = 3-(4-methoxyphenyl)-, -o-hp = 3-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-, -p-hp = 3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-, diBr-o-hp = 3-(3,5-dibromo-2-hydroxyphenyl]} were synthesized and characterized by IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P) spectroscopy and by FAB mass spectrometry. The structures of [HQ][Au(PPh₃)(Clpspa)] and [HQ][Au(PPh₃)(-o-mpspa)] show that the crystal contains hydrogen-bonded diisopropylammonium cations and [Au(PPh₃)(xspa)]⁻ anions. The anions in the two compounds have different structures, with the carboxylate group either coordinated or not coordinated to the gold atom, respectively. The in vitro antitumour activities against the HeLa-229, A2780 and A2780cis cell lines were determined for all complexes. The diisopropylammonium derivatives were generally found to be more active, in particular against the A2780cis cell line, and showed a high ability to circumvent the cellular resistance to cisplatin.     

Modulation of transplanaramine platinum complex reactivity by systematic modification of carrier and leaving groups

Transplatinum planaramine complexes with carboxylate ligands as leaving groups, trans-[Pt(O₂CR)₂(L)(L′)] (L = L′ = pyridine; L = NH₃, L′ = pyridine, isoquinoline, thiazole, quinoline, etc.), are potential anticancer complexes with cytotoxicity in some cases equivalent to that of cisplatin. The carboxylate complexes are, as a family, very water-soluble and surprisingly stable towards hydrolysis - resembling carboplatin in their reactivity. Their pharmacological properties can be systematically modified by steric and electronic effects of the donor groups as well as in the leaving carboxylate ligands. Previously, we have recognized the leaving group formate as having appropriate kinetics for bioligand substitution [1]. In this paper we directly compared the effect on biological properties of a pyridine versus isoquinoline-based carrier group. Binding to calf thymus DNA was similar for both compounds but the distortions produced on DNA, as assessed by T_m (melting temperature) and an ethidium bromide fluorescence reporter assay, were more marked for the isoquinoline ligand. Model studies with 5′-GMP (5′-guanosinemonophosphate) confirmed these trends, with the product trans-[Pt(5′-GMP)₂(NH₃)(isoquinoline)] showing evidence of restricted rotation caused by steric hinderance of three rigid planar rings on the central platinum. A cross-linking assay on pUC19 plasmid confirmed a higher % of interstrand adducts for the isoquinoline compound. This “enhanced” reactivity was matched by higher cytotoxicity in HCT116 human colon tumor cells, and also with enhanced cellular accumulation. Thus, a combination of systematic biophysical and biological studies indicates that trans-[Pt(O₂CH)₂(NH₃)(isoquinoline)] has the most promising range of chemical and biological properties for further development and examination.     

Solution luminescence from chloro(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine)platinum(II) chloride in micelles

Previously characterized as being non-luminescent in room-temperature fluid solution, the coordination compound chloro(2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine)platinum(II) chloride can display two types of luminescence in certain microenvironments. In aqueous solutions of anionic and neutral surfactants having concentrations near or above their critical micelle concentration, [Pt(terpy)Cl]Cl (10-50 μM) displays broad emission centered at ∼610 nm that is characterized as metal-to-ligand charge transfer phosphorescence (³MLCT). In high concentration (10-100 mM) solutions having no surfactant, [Pt(terpy)Cl]Cl aggregates form. Excitation in the 470-540 nm region results in a long-wavelength emission centered at ∼720 nm that is characterized as metal-metal-to-ligand charge transfer phosphorescence (³MMLCT). This emission can also be detected in lower concentration solutions (10-50 μM) with surfactant concentration below its critical micelle concentration. Enhancement of ³MLCT luminescence is also found for the related phenylacetylide complex cation [Pt(terpy)(CCPh)]⁺ in micelles of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate.     

Cytotoxicity studies of [PtCl2(H2bim)] (H2bim = 2,2′-biimidazole): Study of its interaction with a small protein PCI (potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor)

The effect of the platinum compound [PtCl₂(H₂bim)] (H₂bim = 2,2′-biimidazole) on the plasmid DNA conformation was previously studied by electrophoresis in agarose gel and on calf thymus DNA by circular dichroism spectroscopy. The effect of this compound on pBR322 plasmid DNA has now been visualized by atomic force microscopy, which shows that the complex modifies the DNA in the same way as cisplatin does. The cytotoxic activity of [PtCl₂(H₂bim)] in HeLa-229, HL-60, A2780 and A2780cisR cell lines has also been evaluated. Likewise, the interaction of [PtCl₂(H₂bim)] with the small protein potato carboxypeptidase inhibitor (PCI) and a PCI mutant in which glycine 39 was substituted by methionine has been followed by HPLC/mass spectrometry. The interaction with the mutant protein PCI showed the formation of monofunctional adducts that ultimately gave bifunctional adducts. PCI mutant protein could be a good carrier of this platinum compound to the tumour cells in which the antiproliferative behaviour was demonstrated.     

Hydrogen-halide versus alkyl-halide oxidative addition in dimethyl platinum(II) complexes: Crystal structure of [PtBr2(bpy)]

Dimethyl platinum(II) complexes [PtMe₂(NN)] {NN = bu₂bpy (4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine) (1a), bpy (2,2′-bipyridine) (1b), phen (1,10-phenanthroline) (1c)} reacted with commercial 3-bromo-1-propanol in the presence of 1,3-propylene oxide to afford cis, trans- [PtBrMe₂{(CH₂)₃OH}(NN)] (NN = bu₂bpy (2a), bpy (2b), phen (2c)). On the other hand, [PtMe₂(NN)] (1a)-(1b) reacted with the trace of HBr in commercial 3-bromo-1-propanol to give [PtBr₂(NN)] (NN = bu₂bpy (3a), bpy (3b)). The reaction pathways were monitored by ¹H NMR at various temperatures. Treatment of 1a-1b with a large excess of 3-bromo-1-propanol at −80 °C gave the corresponding methyl(hydrido)platinum(IV) complexes [PtBr(H)Me₂(NN)] (NN = bu₂bpy (4a), bpy (4b)) via the oxidative addition of dimethyl platinum(II) complexes with HBr. The complexes [PtBr(H)Me₂(NN)] decomposed by reductive elimination of methane above −20 °C for bu₂bpy and from −20 to 0 °C for bpy analogue to give methane and platinum(II) complexes [PtBrMe(NN)] (5a)-(5b) and then decomposed at about 0 °C to yield [PtBr₂(NN)] and methane. When the reactions were performed at a molar ratio of Pt:RX/1:10, the corresponding complexes [PtBrMe(NN)] (5a)-(5b) were also obtained. The crystal structure of the complex 3b shows that platinum adopts square planar geometry with a twofold axis through the platinum atom. The Pt…Pt distance (5.164 Å) is considerably larger than the interplanar spacing (3.400 Å) and there is no platinum-platinum interaction.     

Synthesis, spectral study and cytotoxicity of platinum(II) complexes with 2,9-disubstituted-6-benzylaminopurines

A series of platinum(II) complexes with 2,9-disubstituted-6-benzylaminopurines has been prepared. The complexes have the following composition: cis-[Pt(Boh)(2)Cl(2)] (1), cis-[Pt(Oc)(2)Cl(2)] (2), cis-[Pt(Ros)(2)Cl(2)] (3), cis-[Pt(i-PrOc)(2)Cl(2)] (4), cis-[Pt(BohH(+))(2)Cl(2)]Cl(2) (5), cis-[Pt(OcH(+))(2)Cl(2)]Cl(2) (6), cis-[Pt(RosH(+))(2)Cl(2)]Cl(2) (7) and cis-[Pt(i-PrOcH(+))(2)Cl(2)]Cl(2) (8), where Boh=2-(3-hydroxypropylamino)-6-benzylamino-9-isopropylpurine, Oc=2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-6-benzylamino-9-methylpurine, Ros=2-(R)-(1-ethyl-2-hydroxyethylamino)-6-benzylamino-9-isopropylpurine and i-PrOc=2-(2-hydroxyethylamino)-6-benzylamino-9-isopropylpurine. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements and their infrared, ES+mass (electrospray mass spectra in the positive ion mode) and NMR ((1)H, (13)C, (15)N and (195)Pt) spectra. The results obtained from the physical studies, particularly from multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, show that in all the investigated complexes (1-8), two molecules of purine derivative are coordinated to platinum via the N(7) atom of the imidazole ring in a cis-configuration. The prepared compounds have been screened for their in vitro cytotoxicity against G-361 (human malignant melanoma), HOS (human osteogenic sarcoma), K-562 (human chronic myelogenous leukemia) and MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma) cell lines. All complexes are significantly more active than the initial 2,9-disubstituted-6-benzylaminopurine derivatives. In the case of some tumour cell lines, IC(50) values for the complexes (1, 3, 4, 5, 8) are significantly lower than those obtained for cisplatin and oxaliplatin. The best cytotoxicity was achieved for the complex (3) for which IC(50) values range from 1 to 2 microM.     

Synthesis, spectroscopy, structure and photophysical properties of dinaphthylmethylarsine complexes of palladium(II) and platinum(II)

Dinaphthylmethylarsine complexes of palladium(II) and platinum(II) with the formulae [MX₂L₂] (M = Pd, Pt; L = di(1-naphthyl)methylarsine = Nap₂AsMe and X = Cl, Br, I), [M₂Cl₂(μ-Cl)₂L₂], [PdCl(S₂CNEt₂)L], [Pd₂Cl₂(μ-OAc)₂L₂] and [MCl₂(PR₃)L] (PR₃ = PEt₃, PPr₃, PBu₃, PMePh₂) have been prepared. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, Raman, NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P) and UV-vis spectroscopy. The stereochemistry of the complexes has been deduced from the spectroscopic data. The crystal structures of trans-[PdCl₂(PEt₃)(Nap₂AsMe)] and of [Pd(S₂CNEt₂)₂], a follow-up product, were determined. The UV-vis spectra of [MX₂L₂] complexes show a red shift on going from X = Cl to X = I. The complexes [PdX₂L₂] and [PtX₂L₂] are strongly luminescent in fluid solution and in the solid at ambient temperature.     

Synthesis and characterisation of palladium(II) iodo complexes containing water soluble phosphine ligands. Crystal structures of [PdI2(PTA-H)2][PtI3(PTA)]2 · 2H2O and trans-[PdI2(PTA)2]

The aqueous solution behaviour of the equilibrium related cis-[PdCl₂(PTA)₂] and [PdCl(PTA)₃]Cl complexes has been investigated in the presence of acid and iodide ions. Several of the resulting species were identified and a reaction scheme accounting for identified complexes is proposed. The crystal structures of trans-[PdI₂(PTA-H)₂][PdI₃(PTA)]₂ · 2H₂O (1) (PTA-H⁺ = protonated form of PTA) and trans-[PdI₂(PTA)₂] (2) are reported. The geometry around the Pd(II) metal centre in 1 (for both the cation and anion) and 2 is distorted square planar. The PTA ligands occupy a trans orientation in the cation of 1 and in complex 2. Compound 1 represents a rare example of a Pd(II) system wherein the cation:anion pair, in a 1:2 ratio, are both coordination complexes. It is the first d⁸ Ni-triad square planar complex containing only one PTA ligand and only the second platinum group metal complex. For the cation in 1, the bond distances and angles are Pd(1)-P(1) = 2.2864(16) Å, Pd(1)-I(1) = 2.6216(7) Å, P(1)-Pd(1)-P(1)′ = 180.00(7)° and P(1)-Pd(1)-I(1) = 87.62(4)°, while in the anion the bond distances are Pd(2)-P(2) = 2.2377(15) Å, Pd(2)-I(4) = 2.5961(13) Å, Pd(2)-I(2) = 2.6328(13) Å, Pd(2)-I(3) = 2.6513(8) Å, while the angles are P(2)-Pd(2)-I(4) = 90.00(5)°, P(2)-Pd(2)-I(2) = 89.69(5)°, I(4)-Pd(2)-I(2) = 179.57(2)°, P(2)-Pd(2)-I(3) = 175.19(4)°, I(4)-Pd(2)-I(3) = 90.29(4)° and I(2)-Pd(2)-I(3) = 90.05(4)°. Bond distances and angles of the coordination polyhedron in 2 are Pd-P = 2.327(3) Å, Pd-I = 2.5916(10) Å, P-Pd-I = 89.13(7)° and P-Pd-P = 180.00(13)°. The average effective- and Tolman cone angles for the two ligands, calculated from the crystallographic data, are 115° and 117° for PTA and PTA-H, respectively.     

Synthesis, structural characterisation and biological studies of new mononuclear platinum(II) complexes with sterically hindered heterocyclic ligands

Three novel cisplatin analogues were synthesized, designed according to an approach which violates the “classical” structure-activity relationship, by replacing the diamine ligands with a planar N donor heterocycle giving a sterically hindered complex. Moreover, the sterical hindrance of antitumor drug candidates potentially makes them less susceptible to deactivation by sulphur-containing proteins and helping to overcome resistance mechanisms. The resulting mononuclear complexes of sterically hindered polidentate heterocyclic N ligands [PtCl(bbp)]Cl (1) [bbp = 2,6-bis(2-benzimidazolyl)pyridine], [PtCl₂(dptdn)](H₂O) (2) [dptdn = sodium 5,6-diphenyl-3-(2′-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazine-4″,4″′-disulfonate] and [(dptdn)(dpt)Pt]Cl₂(H₂O) (3) [dpt = 5,6-diphenyl-3-(2′-pyridyl)-1,2,4-triazine] have been prepared and structurally characterised. Both neutral and ionic complexes are present, with monofunctional (1) and bifunctional Pt(II) moieties (2) and coordinatively saturated Pt(II) ions in the mixed ligand complex (3), whose size and shape enable them to behave as novel scaffolds for DNA binding. All complexes were tested “in vitro” for their biological activity on human HT29 colorectal carcinoma and HepG2 hepatoma cells. The complexes (1) and (3), endowed with a positive charge, showed a potent cytotoxic activity and reduced cell viability with an efficacy higher than that of cisplatin; whilst the neutral bifunctional compound (2) was inactive. IC50 values have been calculated for the active compounds. The cytotoxic effects were confirmed by the accumulation of treated cells in subG0/G1 phase of cell cycle, by the loss of mitochondrial potential (Δψ_m) and by the chromatin condensation or fragmentation observed by means of fluorescence microscopy after Hoechst 33258 nuclear staining. A study on intracellular platinum uptake in HT29 cell line has been also performed and data obtained strongly suggest that the cytotoxicity of new tested complexes reported in this work is based on a different pharmacodynamic pattern with respect to cisplatin.     

Platinum(II) triammine antitumour complexes: structure-activity relationship with guanosine 5′-monophosphate (5′-GMP)

The multinuclear (¹H, ¹⁵N, ³¹P and ¹⁹⁵Pt) NMR spectroscopies, ES-MS and HPLC have been employed to investigate the structure-activity relationship for the reactions between guanosine 5′-monophosphate (5′-GMP) and the platinum(II)-triamine complexes of the general formulation cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂(Am)Cl]NO₃ (where Am represents a substituted pyridine). The order of reaction rate of the reactions was found to be: 3-phpy > 4-phpy > py > 4-mepy > 3-mepy > 2-mepy. The two basic factors, steric and electronic, were attributed to the order of the binding rate constants. A possible mechanism of the reaction of cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂(Am)Cl]⁺ with 5′-GMP suggested that the reactions proceed via direct nucleophilic attack and no loss of ammonia. cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂(Am)Cl]⁺ binds to the N7 nitrogen of the guanine residue of 5′-GMP to form a coordinate bond with the Pt metal centre. This mechanism is apparently different from that of cisplatin. The pK_a value of cis-[Pt(NH₃)₂(4-mepy)(H₂O)](NO₃)₂ (5.63) has been determined at 298 K by the use of distortionless enhancement by polarization transfer (DEPT) ¹⁵N NMR spectroscopy and compared to the pK_a value of cis-[PtCl(H₂O)(NH₃)₂]⁺.     

Interaction of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes of terpyridine with 1-methylazoles: A combined experimental and density functional study

The synthesis and characterization of several complexes of the composition [{M(terpy)}_n(L)](ClO₄)_m (M = Pt, Pd; L = 1-methylimidazole, 1-methyltetrazole, 1-methyltetrazolate; terpy = 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; n = 1, 2; m = 1, 2, 3) is reported and their applicability in terms of a metal-mediated base pair investigated. Reaction of [M(terpy)(H₂O)]²⁺ with 1-methylimidazole leads to [M(terpy)(1-methylimidazole)](ClO₄)₂ (1: M = Pt; 2: M = Pd). The analogous reaction of [Pt(terpy)(H₂O)]²⁺ with 1-methyltetrazole leads to the organometallic compound [Pt(terpy)(1-methyltetrazolate)]ClO₄ (3) in which the aromatic tetrazole proton has been substituted by the platinum moiety. For both platinum(II) and palladium(II), doubly metalated complexes [{M(terpy)}₂(1-methyltetrazolate)](ClO₄)₃ (4: M = Pt; 5: M = Pd) can also be obtained depending on the reaction conditions. In the latter two compounds, the [M(terpy)]²⁺ moieties are coordinated via C5 and N4. X-ray crystal structures of 1, 2, and 3 are reported. In addition, DFT calculations have been carried out to determine the energy difference between fully planar [Pd(mterpy)(L)]²⁺ complexes Ip-IVp (mterpy = 4′-methyl-2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine; L = 1-methylimidazole-N3 (I), 1-methyl-1,2,4-triazole-N4 (II), 1-methyltetrazole-N3 (III), or 3-methylpyridine-N1 (IV)) and the respective geometry-optimized structures Io-IVo. Whereas this energy difference is larger than 70 kJ mol⁻¹ for compounds I, II, and IV, it amounts to only 0.8 kJ mol⁻¹ for the tetrazole-containing complex III, which is stabilized by two intramolecular C-H?N hydrogen bonds. Of all complexes under investigation, only the terpyridine-metal ion-tetrazole system with N3-coordinated tetrazole appears to be suited for an application in terms of a metal-mediated base pair in a metal-modified oligonucleotide.