Synthesis of new platinum(II) compounds with several bidentate and tridentate nitrogen-donor ligands. Structural analyses by H, C{H} and Pt{H} NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystal structure

The reaction of the N-alkylaminopyrazole (NN′) ligands 1-[2-(ethylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (deae), 1-[2-(tert-butylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (deat), or (NN′N) ligands bis[(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methyl]ethylamine (bdmae) and bis[(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)ethyl]ethylamine (ddae) with [PtCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] affords a series of square-planar Pt(II) complexes with formula [PtCl₂(NN′)] (NN′ = deae (1); deat (2)), [PtCl₂(bdmae)] (3), or [PtCl(ddae)]Cl (4). Treatment of complex 4 in the presence of AgBF₄ in CH₂Cl₂/methanol (3:1) gives [PtCl(ddae)](BF₄) (5). These Pt(II) complexes have been characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements and IR, ¹H, ¹³C{¹H}, and ¹⁹⁵Pt{¹H} NMR spectroscopies. The ¹H NMR spectroscopic studies of the complexes prove the rigid conformation of the ligands when they are complexed. The solid-state structure of complex 1 was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The deae ligand is coordinated through the N_pz and N_amino atoms to the metallic centre, which completes its coordination with two chlorine atoms in cis disposition.     

Synthesis of new palladium(II) compounds with several bidentate nitrogen-donor ligands: Structural analyses by H and C{H} NMR spectroscopy and crystal structures

The reaction of [PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] with N-alkylaminopyrazole (NN′) ligands, 1-[2-(ethylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (deae), 1-[2-(ⁱpropylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (deai), and 1-[2-(^tbutylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (deat), affords a series of square planar Pd(II) complexes [PdCl₂(NN′)] (NN′ = deae (1), deai (2) and deat (3)). The solid-state structures of complexes 1 and 3 were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The NN′ ligands are coordinated through the N_pz and N_amine atoms to the metal atom, which completes its coordination with two chlorine atoms in a cis disposition. These palladium(II) compounds were characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, IR, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopies. The NMR studies of the complexes prove the rigid conformation of the ligands when they are complexed.     

Synthesis, X-ray crystal structure and NMR characterisation of mononuclear Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes of didentate ligands with NN′-donor set

Two new 3,5-dimethylpyrazolic derived ligands that are N1-substituted by diamine chains, 1-[2-(diethylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (L1) and 1-[2-(dioctylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (L2) were synthesised. Reaction of the ligands, L1 and L2, with [MCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] yielded [MCl₂(L)] (M = Pd(II), Pt(II)) complexes. These complexes were characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, IR, ¹H, ¹³C{¹H} and ¹⁹⁵Pt{¹H} NMR spectroscopies. The crystal structure of [PdCl₂(L1)] was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The structure consists of mononuclear units. The Pd(II) atom is coordinated by a pyrazolic nitrogen, an amine nitrogen and two chlorine atoms in a cis disposition. In this structure, C-H?Cl, C-H?H-C and C-H?C-H intermolecular interactions have been identified.     

Synthesis and characterisation of palladium(II) and platinum(II) compounds containing pyrazole-derived ligands: crystal structure of [PdCl2(HL)] (HL = 3-phenyl-5-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole)

Reaction of the ligands 3-phenyl-5-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole (HL¹), 3,5-bis(2-pyridyl)pyrazole (HL²), 3-methyl-5-(2-pyridyl)pyrazole (HL³) and 3-methyl-5-phenylpyrazole (HL⁴) with [MCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] (M = Pd(II), Pt(II)) or [PdCl₂(cod)] gives complexes with stoichiometry [PdCl₂(HL)₂] (HL = HL¹, HL², HL³), [Pt(L)₂] (L = L¹, L², L³) and [MCl₂(HL⁴)₂] (M = Pd(II), Pt(II)). The new complexes were characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, infrared and ¹H NMR spectroscopies. The crystal and molecular structure of [PdCl₂(HL¹)] was resolved by X-ray diffraction, and consists of monomeric cis-[PdCl₂(HL¹)] molecules. The palladium centre has a typical square planar geometry, with a slight tetrahedral distortion. The tetra-coordinated metal atom is bonded to one pyridine nitrogen, one pyrazolic nitrogen and two chloro ligands in a cis disposition. The ligand HL¹ is not completely planar.     

New cationic palladium(II) compounds with several bidentate nitrogen-donor ligands: Synthesis, spectroscopic analyses and X-ray crystal structure

A series of PdN₄core complexes has been synthesised. Reaction of [PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂] with N-alkylaminopyrazole (NN′) ligands, 1-[2-(ethylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (deae), 1-[2-(ⁱpropylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (deai), and 1-[2-(^tbutylamino)ethyl]-3,5-dimethylpyrazole (deat) in the presence of AgBF₄ led to [Pd(NN′)₂](BF₄)₂. These palladium(II) compounds were characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, IR, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopies. The NMR studies of the complexes prove the rigid conformation of the ligands when they are complexed. The X-ray analyses of one representative complex, [Pd(deat)₂](BF₄)₂, is reported. The crystal structure consists of discrete centrosymmetric cations involving a coordinated Pd(N_pz)₂(N_amino)₂core with planar geometry and anions.     

Multiple coordination modes of hemilabile 3-dimethylaminopropyl chalcogenolates in platinum(II) complexes: Synthesis, spectroscopy and structures

The reactions of N,N-dimethylaminopropyl chalcogenolates with platinum(II) compounds have been carried out and complexes of the types [PtCl(ECH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂)]₂ (1) (E = S (1a) and Se (1b)), [Pt(ECH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂)₂]_n (2) (E = S (2a) and Se (2b)), [(PtCl₂)₂{(Me₂NCH₂CH₂CH₂E)₂}]_n (3), [PtX(SeCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂)]₂ (4) (X = SePh (4a) and OAc (4b)) and [PtCl(ECH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂)(PR₃)]_n (5) (E = S, Se, Te) have been isolated. These complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-Vis, NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, ⁷⁷Se, ¹⁹⁵Pt) spectroscopy and FAB mass spectral data. The structures of [PtCl(SeCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂)]₂ (1b) and [PtCl(SCH₂CH₂CH₂NMe₂)(PPr₃)]₂ (5a) have been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction data. Both the molecules have dimeric structures. In 1b, two platinum atoms are held together by symmetrically bridging Se atoms of the chelating selenolate groups. In 5a, two thiolates form a four-membered Pt₂S₂ bridge with dangling NMe₂ groups.     

Structure and characterization of platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complexes with protonated nucleobase ligands

The reaction of H₂[PtCl₆] · 6H₂O and (H₃O)[PtCl₅(H₂O)] · 2(18C6) · 6H₂O (18C6 = 18-crown-6) with 9-methylguanine (MeGua) proceeded with the protonation of MeGua forming 9-methylguaninium hexachloroplatinate(IV) dihydrate (MeGuaH)₂[PtCl₆] · 2H₂O (1).The same compound was obtained from the reaction of Na₂[PtCl₆] with (MeGuaH)Cl.On the other hand, the reaction of guanosine (Guo) with (H₃O)[PtCl₅(H₂O)] · 2(18C6) · 6H₂O in methanol at 60 °C proceeded with the cleavage of the glycosidic linkage and with ligand substitution to give a guaninium complex of platinum(IV), [PtCl₅(GuaH)] · 1.5(18C6) · H₂O (2).Within several weeks in aqueous solution a slow reduction took place yielding the analogous guaninium platinum(II) complex, [PtCl₃(GuaH)] · (18C6) · 2Me₂CO (3).H₂[PtCl₆] · 6H₂O and guanosine was found to react in water, yielding (GuoH)₂[PtCl₆] (4) and in ethanol at 50 °C, yielding [PtCl₅(GuoH)] · 3H₂O (5).Dissolution of complexes 2 and 5 in DMSO resulted in the substitution of the guaninium and guanosinium ligands, respectively, by DMSO forming [PtCl₅(DMSO)]⁻.Reactions of 1-methylcytosine (MeCyt) and cytidine (Cyd) with H₂[PtCl₆] · 6H₂O and(H₃O)[PtCl₅(H₂O)] · 2(18C6) · 6H₂O resulted in the formation of hexachloroplatinates with N3 protonated pyrimidine bases as cation (MeCytH)₂[PtCl₆] · 2H₂O (6) and (CydH)₂[PtCl₆] (7), respectively. Identities of all complexes were confirmed by ¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR spectroscopic investigations, revealing coordination of GuoH⁺ in complex 5 through N7 whereas GuaH⁺ in complex 3 may be coordinated through N7 or through N9. Solid state structure of hexachloroplatinate 1 exhibited base pairing of the cations yielding (MeGuaH⁺)₂, whereas in complex 6 non-base-paired MeCytH⁺ cations were found. In both complexes, a network of hydrogen bonds including the water molecules was found. X-ray diffraction analysis of complex 3 exhibited a guaninium ligand that is coordinated through N9 to platinum and protonated at N1, N3 and N7. In the crystal, these NH groups form hydrogen bonds N–HO to oxygen atoms of crown ether molecules.     

Synthesis, spectroscopic properties and structural characterisation of Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes with 1,3,5-pyrazole derived ligands. Rotation around the metal-N bond

Reactions of ligands 1-ethyl-5-methyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (L¹) and 5-methyl-1-octyl-3-phenyl-1H-pyrazole (L²) with [PdCl₂(CH₃CN)₂ and K₂PtCl₄ gave complexes trans-[MCl₂(L)₂] (L = L¹, L²). The new complexes were characterised by elemental analyses, conductivity measurements, infrared, ¹H and ¹³C{¹H} NMR spectroscopies and X-ray diffraction. The NMR study of the complex [PdCl₂(L¹)₂], in CDCl₃ solution, is consistent with a very slow rotation of ligands around the Pd-N bond, so that two conformational isomers can be observed in solution (syn and anti). Different behaviour is observed for complexes [PdCl₂(L²)₂] and [PtCl₂(L)₂] (L = L¹, L²), which present an isomer in solution at room temperature (anti). The crystal structure of [PdCl₂(L¹)₂] complex is described, where the Pd(II) presents a square planar geometry with the ligands coordinated in a trans disposition.     

Pd(II) complexes containing N-alkyl-3-pyridine-5-trifluoromethyl pyrazole ligands: Synthesis, NMR studies and X-ray crystal structures

Palladium [PdCl₂(L)] complexes with N-alkylpyridylpyrazole derived ligands [2-(5-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine (L¹), 2-(1-ethyl-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine (L²), 2-(1-octyl-5-trifluoromethyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine (L³), and 2-(3-pyridin-2-yl-5-trifluoromethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)ethanol (L⁴) were synthesised. The crystal and molecular structures of [PdCl₂(L)] (L = L², L³, L⁴) were resolved by X-ray diffraction, and consist of monomeric cis-[PdCl₂(L)] molecules. The palladium centre has a typical square-planar geometry, with a slight tetrahedral distortion. The tetra-coordinate metal atom is bonded to one pyridinic nitrogen, one pyrazolic nitrogen and two chlorine ligands in cis disposition. Reaction of L (L², L⁴) with [Pd(CH₃CN)₄](BF₄)₂, in the ratio 1M:2L, gave complexes [Pd(L)]₂(BF₄)₂. Treatment of [PdCl₂(L)] (L = L², L⁴) with NaBF₄ and pyridine (py) and treatment of the same complexes with AgBF₄ and triphenylphosphine (PPh₃) yielded [Pd(L)(py)₂](BF₄)₂ and [Pd(L)(PPh₃)₂](BF₄)₂ complexes, respectively. Finally, reaction of [PdCl₂(L⁴)] with 1 equiv of AgBF₄ yields [PdCl(L⁴)](BF₄).     

Benzylamidine complexes of platinum(II) derived by nucleophilic addition of primary and secondary amines. X-ray crystal structure of trans-[PtCl2{Z-N(H)C(NHMe)CH2Ph}2]

The reaction of cis- and trans-[PtCl₂(NCCH₂Ph)₂] with a 5-fold excess of MeNH₂ and Me₂NH in CH₂Cl₂ at −10 °C affords in high yield the bis-amidine derivatives cis- and trans-[PtCl₂{Z-N(H)C(NHMe)CH₂Ph}₂] (1a, 2a) and cis- and trans-[PtCl₂{E-N(H)C(NMe₂)CH₂Ph}₂] (3a, 4a), respectively. The complexes were characterized by means of elemental analysis, multinuclear NMR and FT-IR techniques. The X-ray diffraction analysis was carried out for trans-[PtCl₂{Z-N(H)C(NHMe)CH₂Ph}₂] (2a).Moreover, the in vitro cytotoxicity for the new derivatives was evaluated in a wide panel of human tumor cell lines.     

Synthesis and spectroscopy of diethyl (pyridinylmethyl)phosphates and their palladium (II) complexes: X-ray crystal structures of Pd(II) complexes

The synthesis of diethyl (pyridin-2-, -3-, -4-ylmethyl)phosphate (2-pmOpe, 3-pmOpe, 4-pmOpe) ligands and their palladium (II) complexes of general formula trans-[PdCl₂L₂] (L = 2-pmOpe, 3-pmOpe,4-pmOpe) has been described. Pyridine phosphate derivatives were synthesized via the condensation of phosphorochloridic acid diethyl ester with an appropriate pyridinylmethanol in the presence of triethylamine. The compounds have been identified and characterized by IR, far-IR, ¹H NMR, ³¹P NMR, ³¹P CP-MAS NMR and elemental analyses. The crystal and molecular structures of palladium (II) complexes, i.e., [PdCl₂(2-pmOpe)₂] and [PdCl₂(4-pmOpe)₂] determined by the X-ray diffraction method, are presented. In both structures, Pd(II) ions are four-coordinated by two chlorine atoms and two pyridine nitrogen atoms. The geometry of complexes is square-planar and adopt a trans configuration, which is consistent with preparation method.     

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.     

Synthesis and structure determination of some platinum (II) complexes with hydrophilic carboxylated tertiary phosphine ligands

[Pt(COD)Cl₂] (1) reacts with PPh₂(C₆H₄COOH) (2a,b,c), PPh₂(C₆H₄COONa) (2d), PPh(C₆H₄COOH)₂ (4b,c) and P(C₆H₄COOH)₃ (6b,c) with formation of the corresponding complexes [Pt(L)₂Cl₂] (3a,b,c,d, 5b,c, 7b,c). Halide abstraction from 3a by Ag⁺ promotes coordination of the ortho-carboxylate function to platinum, yielding [ -2)}{PPh₂(C₆H₄COOH-2)}Cl] (bd8) and [ovbar|{PPh₂(C₆H₄COO-2)}₂] (bd9). Reaction of 1 with CO and 2a or 2b gives [Pt(CO)(L)Cl₂] (10a,b), wherea 1 and 2,3-bis(diphenylphosphino) maleic anhydride yields

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(bd12) and [Pt{Ph₂PC(COOH)=C(COOMe)-PPh₂}Cl₂] (13). The ¹H, ¹³C and ³¹P NMR spectra are reported and discussed. The X-ray structural analysis of 3b showed the compound to be monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, Z=4, with a=1038.5(3), B=1792.6(4), C=2311.5(4) pm, β=91.6(2)° and D_calc=1.353 g cm⁻³. The structure was solved from 4832 observed reflections with F₀ > 4 σ(F₀) and refined to a final R value of 0.0743. The Pt atom is surrounded by two Cl and two P atoms in a square planar arrangement.     

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.     

Steric influence on platinum(II) ascorbate complexes

From the reaction between dihydroxoplatinum(II) and l-ascorbic acid, two types of platinum(II) ascorbate complexes were obtained and structurally characterized with ethylenediamine (en), N,N-dimethylethylenediamine (dmen) and N,N,N′-trimethylethylenediamine (trimen) as stabilizing ligands. In [Pt(en)(asc-C,O)] (1), [Pt(dmen)(asc-C,O)] (2) and [Pt(trimen)(asc-C,O)] (4), the ascorbate dianion forms a five-membered chelate ring, coordinating to the Pt(II) ion at the 2-carbon and the 5-oxygen atoms (C,O-chelate). From the same mother solution, crystals of [Pt(trimen)(asc-O,O′)] (3) were obtained during the precipitation of 4; in 3 the ascorbate is bound to the Pt at the 2- and 3-oxygen atoms (O,O′-chelate). Compounds 3 and 4 are the first well-characterized linkage isomers among the transition-metal ascorbate complexes. The O,O′-chelated 3 slowly changes to the C,O-chelated 4 in an aqueous solution. Bulkiness of the stabilizing ligand, i.e. en, dmen and trimen has an influence on the formation of the C,O-chelated species, 1, 2 and 4.     

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.     

Crystal structures of Pt(II) and Pd(II) complexes with the free radical 4-aminoTEMPO

Pt(II) and Pd(II) compounds containing the free radical 4-aminoTEMPO (4amTEMPO) were synthesized and characterised by X-ray diffraction methods. The disubstituted complexes cis- and trans-Pt(4amTEMPO)₂I₂ were studied. The trans isomer was prepared from the isomerisation of the cis analogue. The two Pd(II) compounds trans-Pd(4amTEMPO)₂X₂ (X = Cl and I) were also characterised by crystallographic methods. A mixed-ligand complex cis-Pt(DMSO)(4amTEMPO)Cl₂ was synthesized from the isomerisation of the trans isomer in hot water. Its crystal structure was also determined. In all the complexes, the 4amTEMPO ligand is bonded to the metal through the -NH₂ group, since the nitroxide O atom is not a good donor atom for the soft Pt(II) and Pd(II) metals. The conformation of the 4-aminoTEMPO ligand was compared to those of the few reported structures in the literature.     

Palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes of 2-hydroxy acetophenone N(4)-ethylthiosemicarbazone - crystal structure and description of bonding properties

Reaction of H₂PtCl₄ and K₂PdCl₄ with 2-hydroxyacetophenone N(4)-ethylthiosemicarbazone, H₂Ap4Et, afforded [Pt(Ap4Et)(H₂Ap4Et)] and [Pd(Ap4Et)(H₂Ap4Et)]. Their crystal and molecular structures are reported and represent the first 1:2 thiosemicarbazone complexes with ligands having both different formal charge and denticity. The dianion, Ap4Et²⁻, coordinates in a planar conformation to palladium(II) or platinum(II) via the phenolato O, imine N and thiolato S atoms, while the neutral molecule exhibits monodentate coordination by the thione S atom. Intra-, intermolecular hydrogen bonds and C-H?π contacts lead to aggregation and a supramolecular assembly. Electronic, IR, and NMR spectral data, as well as electrochemical measurements, are included. The pK_a values of the poorly water soluble H₂Ap4Et were obtained spectrophotometrically in aqueous solutions of constant ionic strength.     

Syntheses, structures and properties of copper(II) complexes containing N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-amino amide ligands

Four copper(II) complexes containing the reduced Schiff base ligands, namely, N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-glycinamide (Hsglym) and N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-l-alaninamide (Hsalam) have been synthesized and characterized. The crystal structures of [Cu₂(sglym)₂Cl₂] (1), [Cu₂(salam)₂(NO₃)₂] · H₂O (3), [Cu₂(salam)₂(NO₃)(H₂O)](NO₃) · 1.5H₂O (4), [Cu₂(salam)₂](ClO₄)₂ · 2H₂O (5) show that the Cu(II) atoms are bridged by two phenolato oxygen atoms in the dimers. The sglym ligand bonded to Cu(II) in facial manner while salam ligand prefers to bind to Cu(II) in meridonal geometry. Variable temperature magnetic studies of 3 showed it is antiferromagnetic. These Cu(II) complexes and [Cu₂(sglym)₂(NO₃)₂] (2), exhibit very small catecholase activity as compared to the corresponding complexes containing acid functional groups.     

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.