Synthesis,characterization, and antitumor properties of ruthenium(II) anthraquinone complexes

Three new Ru(II) complexes, [Ru(dmb)₂(ipad)](ClO₄)₂ (dmb = 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine, ipad = 2-(anthracene-9,10-dione-2-yl) imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthroline, 1), [Ru(dmp)₂(ipad)](ClO₄)₂ (dmp = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 2), and [Ru(dip)₂(ipad)](ClO₄)₂ (dip = 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 3), have been synthesized and characterized. The three Ru(II) complexes intercalate with the base pairs of DNA. The in vitro antiproliferative activities and apoptosis-inducing characteristics of these complexes were investigated. The complexes exhibited cytotoxicity against various human cancer cell lines. BEL-7402 cells displayed the highest sensitivity to 1, accounted for by the greatest cellular uptake. Complex 1 was shown to accumulate preferentially in the nuclei of BEL-7402 cells and cause DNA damage and induce apoptosis, which involved cell cycle arrest and reactive oxygen species generation.     

Adducts of ruthenium(IV) thiolates with substituted pyridines. Syntheses and structures of [Ru(SMes)4(R-py)] (R = 4-Et, 4-tBu,and 3,5-Me2) and [{Ru(SMes)4}2(μ-4,4’-bipy)] (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)

Treatment of the trigonal-bipyramidal ruthenium(IV)–thiolate complex, [Ru(SMes)₄(MeCN)] (Mes = 2,4,6-trimethylphenyl, 1), with an anhydrous diethyl ether solution of hydrogen chloride in THF afforded [Ru(SMes)₃Cl(MeCN)] (2), whereas interaction of 1 with [Et₄N]Cl in THF gave an anionic ruthenium(IV)–thiolate complex, [Et₄N][Ru(SMes)₄Cl] (3). Reaction of 1 with one equivalent of substituted pyridines in dichloromethane gave the corresponding pyridine-coordinated ruthenium(IV)–thiolate complexes, [Ru(SMes)₄(R-py)] (R = 4-Et, 4; 4-^tBu, 5; 3,5-Me₂, 6), while reaction of 1 with 0.5 equiv. of 4,4’-bipy (4,4’-bipy = 4,4’-bipyridine) in dichloromethane resulted in the formation of a dinuclear ruthenium(IV)–thiolate complex [{Ru(SMes)₄}₂(μ-4,4’-bipy)] (7). Complexes 2–7 have been spectroscopically characterized along with their electrochemical analyses, and their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Synthesis,characterization, and antitumor activity of mononuclear and dinuclear ruthenium complexes

Abstract

Dinuclear ruthenium complexes [Ru₂(bpy)₄BL](ClO₄)₂ (Ru-1), where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine and BL = 2,2′-((1E,1′E)-((E)-diazene-1,2-diyl-bis(2,1-phenylene))-bis(azanylylidene))bis(methanylylidene))diphenol (a bidentate bridging ligand), and mononuclear ruthenium complexes [Ru(bpy)₂L](ClO₄) (Ru-2), where L = (E)-2-((phenylimino)methyl)phenol, were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Their photophysical and electrochemical properties were also studied. The cytotoxicity of the two complexes in vitro was evaluated using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. The results indicated that Ru-1 and Ru-2 exhibited significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity to human breast cancer (MCF-7), gastric cancer (SGC-7901), cervical cancer (Hela), and lung cancer (A549) tumor cell lines. Ru-1 showed excellent antitumor effects in a cellular study (IC₅₀ values of 3.61 μM for MCF-7 human breast cancer cells in vitro). However, Ru-2 exhibited the highest cytotoxicity to Hela cells; the IC₅₀ value is 3.71 μM. The results reveal that Ru-1 and Ru-2 have obvious selectivity and might be a potential anticancer agent that could improve the efficacy of common anticancer therapies.     

含有席夫碱配体的钌配合物的合成、表征及抗肿瘤活性

设计并合成了3个含有席夫碱基团的配体（BLⁿ,n=1~3）及相应的双核联吡啶钌配合物[Ru （BLⁿ）（bpy）₂]₂（ClO₄）₄,其中bpy=2,2''-联吡啶,BLⁿ=（（PyCHN）-Ph-O-C₆H₄）₂R （PyCHN=N-2-吡啶亚甲基,R=none （Ru1）,—C （CH₃）₂（Ru2）,—SO₂（Ru3））。通过元素分析、核磁氢谱、红外光谱、质谱等方法对配体和配合物进行了表征。通过体外细胞毒性实验研究了Ru1~Ru3对宫颈癌细胞（Hela）、胃癌细胞（BGC823）、胃癌细胞（SGC-7901）三种肿瘤细胞和人正常胚肺成纤维细胞MRC-5的细胞毒性,实验结果表明Ru3的抗肿瘤活性最好,而Ru1~Ru3均对BGC823具有选择性。     

Synthesis,structural, electrochemical,and spectroscopic studies of some (diimine)ruthenium nitrile complexes

The syntheses of cationic ruthenium(II) complexes [Ru(Me₂-bpy)(PPh₃)₂RR?][PF₆]_x {Me₂-bpy = 4,4?-dimethyl-2,2?-bipyridine, (3) R = Cl, R? = N≡CMe, x = 1, (4) R = Cl, R? = N≡CPh, x = 1, (5) R = R? = N≡CMe, x = 2} and [Ru(Me₂-bpy)(κ²-dppf)RR?][PF₆]_x {dppf = 1,1?-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene, (6) R = Cl, R? = N≡CMe, x = 1, (7) R = Cl, R? = N≡CPh, x = 1, (8) R = R? = N≡CMe, x = 2} are reported, together with their structural confirmation by NMR (³¹P, ¹H) and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis, and, in the case of trans-[Ru(Me₂-bpy)(PPh₃)₂(N≡CCH₃)Cl][PF₆] (3), by X-ray crystallography. Electronic absorption and emission spectra of the complexes reveal that all complexes except 4 and 6 are emissive in the range 370–400 nm with 8 exhibiting an emission in the blue. Cyclic voltammetry studies of 3–8 show reversible or quasi-reversible redox processes at ca. 1 V, assigned to the Ru(II/III) couple.     

Photochemical reactions of metal carbonyls with heteroaromatic methanesulfonylhydrazone-based ligands

Three new heteroaromatic methanesulfonylhydrazone derivatives: thiophene-2-carboxy aldehydemethanesulfonylhydrazone (msh 1), 2-acetylthiophenemethanesulfonylhdrazone (msh 2), and 2-acetyl-5-methylthiophenemethanesulfonylhydrazone (msh 3) were prepared and their metal carbonyl complexes ([M(CO)₅(msh 1)] M = Cr, 1a; Mo, 1b; W, 1c); ([M(CO)₅(msh 2)] M = Cr, 2a; Mo, 2b; W, 2c); and ([M(CO)₅(msh 3)] M = Cr, 3a; Mo, 3b; W, 3c) were synthesized by photochemical reactions of [M(CO)₆ M = Cr, Mo, W] with msh 1–3. Heteroaromatic methanesulfonylhydrazones, msh 1–3, and their metal carbonyl complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, IR, and ¹H and ¹³C–{¹H} NMR spectroscopy. According to all the spectroscopic data, msh 1–3 are monodentate and coordinate via thiophene ring sulfur. The msh 1–3 must act as two-electron donors to satisfy the 18-electron rule.     

Synthesis and characterization of dinuclear (Hedta)Ru(III) complexes with N-heterocyclic ligands: magnetic properties and DNA-binding studies

Two ruthenium(III) complexes containing ethylenediaminetetraacetate(edta), viz. [{Ru(Hedta)}₂L]·xH₂O L = 4,4′-bipyridine(bpy) (1) and 4,4′-azopyridine(Azpy) (2), have been synthesized by the reaction between K[Ru(Hedta)Cl]·1.5H₂O and the corresponding N-heterocycles. Complex 1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The products were characterized by IR, UV–vis, cyclic voltammetry, and magnetic techniques. Their DNA-binding activities were investigated using electronic absorption spectroscopic methods and ?uorescence quenching; the experimental results show that these two ruthenium complexes may bind to CT-DNA through intercalation modes.     

Synthesis,characterization, and in vitro antioxidant and anticancer studies of ruthenium(III) complexes of symmetric and asymmetric tetradentate Schiff bases

Ruthenium(III) complexes of three tetradentate Schiff bases with N₂O₂ donors formulated as [RuCl(LL¹)(H₂O)], [RuCl(LL²)(H₂O)] and [RuCl(LL³)(H₂O)] were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, molar conductance, FTIR, and electronic spectral measurements. The FTIR data showed that the tetradentate Schiff base ligands coordinate to Ru ions through the azomethine nitrogen and enolic oxygen. The antioxidant activities of the complexes were investigated through scavenging activity on 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2′-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radicals. The DPPH activity for [RuCl(LL²)(H₂O)] with IC₅₀ = 0.031 mg mL^?1 was higher than the values obtained for the other Ru(III) compounds. The study revealed that the synthesized Ru(III) complexes of the tetradentate Schiff base exhibited strong scavenging activities against DPPH and moderate against ABTS radicals. In addition, the antiproliferative studies of the complexes were also tested against human renal cancer cells (TK10), human melanoma cancer cells (UACC62), and human breast cancer cells (MCF7) using the SRB assay. The results indicated that the Ru(III) complexes showed low anticancer activities against the tested human cancer cell lines.     

Heteroleptic ruthenium(II)/(III) 2,2′-bipyridine/1,10-phenanthroline complexes incorporating bidentate Schiff base N,O-ligands

Eight substituted bidentate Schiff base ligands HOC₆H₄CH=N-R (HL) (HL1: R = 4-ClC₆H₄, HL2: R = 2-ClC₆H₄, HL3: R = 4-NO₂C₆H₄, HL4: R = 4-MeC₆H₄, HL5: R = 2,6-Me₂C₆H₃, HL6: R = 2,46-Me₃C₆H₂, HL7: R = CH₂C₆H₅, and HL8: R = n-Pr) were synthesized by the typical condensation reaction. Interaction of cis-[Ru(bpy)₂Cl₂]?2H₂O (bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine) with one equivalent of HL ligand in the presence of KPF₆ afforded the cationic ruthenium(II) complexes of the type [Ru(bpy)₂(L)](PF₆) (1–8). The reaction of cis-[Ru(phen)₂Cl₂]?2H₂O (phen = 1,10-phenanthroline) and HL1 under similar condition gave complex [(phen)₂Ru(L)](PF₆) (1a). Treatment of cis-[Ru(phen)₂Cl₂]?2H₂O with two equivalents of HL in the presence of KPF₆ resulted in isolation of the cationic ruthenium(III) complexes of the type [Ru(phen)(L)₂](PF₆) (9-16). All complexes have been spectroscopically characterized. The structures of 1a?CH₂Cl₂, 2?½CH₂Cl₂, 3?CH₃CN, 5?½H₂O, 6, 12?½HOCH₂CH₂OH, 13?CH₃CN, 15?H₂O, and 16 have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction.     

Ruthenium(II) bipyridine complexes: from synthesis and crystal structures to electrochemical and cytotoxicity investigation

Complexes 1–4, [Ru(L)(bpy)₂]PF₆, where bpy = 2,2′-bipyridine; HL = 3-methylpyridine-2-carboxylic acid (HL1), 6-methylpyridine-2-carboxylic acid (HL2), 5-bromopyridine-2-carboxylic acid (HL3) and 6-bromopyridine-2-carboxylic acid (HL4), were synthesized and characterized. The electrochemical character of the complexes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry revealing two reversible reduction waves in the negative range of potentials, most likely due to a reduction of the bipyridine moiety. Cytotoxicity studies by MTT assay for 72 h of drug action revealed that 2–4 exhibited moderate activity in cervical human tumor cells (HeLa). Complex 2 exhibited low activity in colon cancer LS-174 cells (180 ± 10), while all complexes were devoid of activity in lung cancer A549 and non-tumor MRC-5 cells, up to 200 μM. Combinational studies of the most active complex 2, with pharmacological modulators of cell redox status, L-buthionine-sulfoximine (L-BSO) or N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), showed that when L-BSO potentiated, 2 induced a sub-G1 peak of the cell cycle in the HeLa cell line. UV–vis and cyclic voltammetry were performed in order to investigate the binding mode of 2 to DNA and suggested intercalation for the complex–DNA interaction.     

Tricarbonylrhenium(I) complexes with the N,6-dimethylpyridine-2-carbothioamide ligand: combined experimental and calculation studies

Abstract

A new series of tricarbonyl complexes of rhenium(I) in the “2 + 1” system with the bidentate ligand N,6-dimethylpyridine-2-carbothioamide ((CH₃)NC₅H₄-CS-NH-CH₃, MeLH(Me)_NS) and a monodentate ligand (halides Cl, Br, or I, and the pseudohalide NCS anion) was synthesized. The use of mixed ligands led to the formation of neutral tricarbonylrhenium(I) complexes [Re(CO)₃(MeLH(Me)_NS)X] (X = Cl, Br, I, NCS) (1–4). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the crystal structures of all four compounds and those results were compared with molecular structures obtained from DFT calculations using the PBE0/def2-TZVPD approach. The complexes were also characterized by spectroscopic (FT-IR, NMR, and UV–vis) and analytical (HPLC, TGA, EA, ESI-MS) techniques. IR and UV–vis spectra were also calculated by DFT and TD-DFT methods. The cytotoxicity of these complexes was estimated using human ovarian cancer cell lines (A2780 and A2780cis), cervical cancer cells (HeLa), and non-cancerous human embryonic kidney cells (Hek-293). The toxicity of most complexes was moderate or low toward cancer cell lines (IC₅₀ = 46–231 μM) and similar against non-cancerous cells (IC₅₀ = 41-121 μM). Only the complex with chlorido ligand remarkably inhibited growth of ovarian cancer cells (IC₅₀ = 3 and 12 μM for A2780 and A2780cis, respectively). The cytotoxicity of 1 was higher than that of cisplatin.     

Crystal structures,electrochemical properties,antioxidant screening and in vitro cytotoxic studies on four novel Cu(II) complexes of bidentate Schiff base ligands derived from 2-methoxyethylamine

Four novel Schiff base ligands and their copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L¹)₂] (1), [Cu(L²)₂] (2), [Cu(L³)₂] (3), and [Cu(L⁴)₂] (4), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, FT-IR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The ligands were synthesized from the condensation of 2-methoxyethylamine with various salicylaldehyde derivatives (x-salicylaldehyde for HLⁿ, x = H (n = 1), 5-Br (n = 2), 3-OMe (n = 3), and 4-OMe (n = 4)). The molecular structures of 1, 2, and 3 were determined by the single crystal X-ray diffraction technique. The redox behavior studies of the complexes in acetonitrile display the electronic effects of the groups on the redox potential. The antioxidant activity of the Schiff base ligands and their Cu(II) complexes was evaluated using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging method and FRAP assay. Furthermore, the in vitro anticancer activity of compounds was screened, including MTT and migration assays against gastric cancer cell line (MKN-45). The results show that all ligands and complexes have antioxidant and anticancer activity in a concentration-dependent way.     

Preparation,crystal structures and properties of half-sandwich ruthenium complexes containing salicylbenzoxazole ligands

Three half-sandwich ruthenium complexes [Ru(p-cymene)LCl] containing salicylbenzoxazole ligands [LH = 2-(5-methyl-benzoxazol-2-yl)-4-methyl-phenol (2a), LH = 2-(5-methyl-benzoxazol-2-yl)-4-chloro-phenol (2b), and LH = 2-(5-methyl-benzoxazol-2-yl)-4-bromo-phenol (2c)] were synthesized and characterized. All half-sandwich ruthenium complexes were fully characterized by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra, MS, elemental analyses, and UV–vis as well as cyclic voltammetry (CV). The molecular structures of 2a, 2b, and 2c were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray structures show that the synthesized ruthenium complexes are three-legged piano-stools with a six-membered metallocycle formed by coordination of the bidentate salicylbenzoxazole ligands to the metal centers. Data from CV and UV–vis absorption of the ruthenium complexes indicated that by changing the substituent on the para position of (donating or withdraw group) the salicylbenzoxazole ligands, minor changes in redox and electronic properties of the ruthenium complexes were observed.     

Palladium(II) 9,10-phenanthrenequinone N-substituted thiosemicarbazone/semicarbazone complexes as efficient catalysts for N-arylation of imidazole

A series of palladium complexes, [PdCl(L_1–4)] (1–4) (L₁ = 9,10-phenanthrenequinone thiosemicarbazone, L₂ = 9,10-phenanthrenequinone methylthiosemicarbazone, L₃ = 9,10-phenanthrenequinone phenylthiosemicarbazone, and L₄ = 9,10-phenanthrenequinone semicarbazone), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, UV–vis, FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and ESI-Mass spectroscopic methods. The catalytic efficiency of the synthesized complexes was examined against N-arylation of imidazole. The system works well with the electron-rich, -neutral, and -deficient aryl halides to afford the products in good to excellent yields. Sterically congested aryl halides and heteroaryl halides have also been used as substrates to provide N-arylated heterocycles. In addition, this methodology can be applicable to other substrates with N-containing heterocycles.     

Synthesis,characterization, and cytotoxic and antimicrobial activities of ruthenium(II) arene complexes with N,N-bidentate ligands

Three new complexes, [(η⁶-C₆H₆)RuCl(C₅H₄N-2-CH=N-Ar)]PF₆ (Ar = phenylmethylene (1), (4-methoxyphenyl)methylene (2), and phenylhydrazone (3)), were prepared by reacting [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Ru(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ with N,N′-bidentate ligands in a 1 : 2 ratio. Full characterization of the complexes was accomplished using ¹H and ¹³C NMR, elemental and thermal analyses, UV–vis and IR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray structures. Single crystal structures confirmed a pseudo-octahedral three-legged, piano-stool geometry around Ru(II), with the ligand coordinated to the ruthenium(II) through two N atoms. The cytotoxicity of the mononuclear complexes was established against three human cancer cell lines and selectivity was also tested against non-cancerous human epithelial kidney (HEK 293) cells. The compounds were selective toward the tumor cells in contrast to the known anti-cancer drug 5-fluoro uracil which was not selective between the tumor cells and non-tumor cells. All the compounds showed moderate activity against MCF7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), but showed low antiproliferative activity against Caco-2 and HepG2. Also, antimicrobial activities of the complexes were tested against a panel of antimicrobial-susceptible and -resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Of special interest is the anti-mycobacterial activity of all three synthesized complexes against Mycobacterium smegmatis, and bactericidal activity against resistant Enterococcus faecalis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300.     

Synthesis,X-ray structure,in vitro HIV and kinesin Eg5 inhibition activities of new arene ruthenium complexes of pyrimidine analogs

Three new ruthenium(II)-arene complexes of the general formula [{(η⁶-p-cymene)Ru(L)}₂](Cl)₂), where L are monastrol (L¹), ethyl 4-(3-hydroxyphenyl)-6-methyl-2-thioxo-pyrimidine-5-carboxylate (L²) or its 4-bromophenyl analog (L³), have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H, ¹³C, and 2-D NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction study of complex 1 showed the presence of a dicationic diruthenium complex where two thioxopyrimidines act as tridentate μ,κN:κ²S ligand, bridging two Ru ions through the pyrimidine nitrogen and sulfur atoms. All new complexes were evaluated in vitro for their antiviral activity against the replication of HIV-1 and HIV-2 in MT-4 cells using MTT assay. Additionally, complexes 1–3 were screened for their inhibitory activity against the ATPase enzyme and the motor-protein Kinesin Eg5. Complex 1 was found to inhibit microtubule-stimulated ATPase activity of kinesin of IC₅₀ = 30 μM (monastrol, IC₅₀ = 10 μM).     

Synthesis, DNA binding, antioxidant and cytotoxic activities of ruthenium(II) complexes of a Schiff base ligand

Three ruthenium(II) complexes, [Ru(CO)Cl(PPh₃)L], [Ru(CO)Cl(AsPh₃)L] and [Ru(CO)Cl(Py)L], were synthesized from the reactions of 2-(benzothiazol-2-yliminomethyl)-phenol (HL) with [RuHCl(CO)B(EPh₃)₂], where B = PPh₃, AsPh₃ or pyridine, and E = P or As. All the complexes have been characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic methods. The structure of the free ligand HL was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The binding of the free ligand and its complexes with CT-DNA was studied using electronic absorption spectroscopy. In addition, the free ligand and its complexes were subjected to antioxidant activity tests, which showed that they all possess significant scavenging effects against DPPH and OH radicals. The in vitro cytotoxicities of the compounds were assessed using tumor (HeLa and MCF-7) cell lines.     

Two new heteroleptic ruthenium(II) dithiocarbamates: synthesis,characterization, DFT calculation and DNA binding

Two ruthenium(II) dithiocarbamates, cis-[Ru(DMP)₂L](BF₄), where L = 4-(4-methoxy-phenyl)piperazine-1-carbodithioate (1) and 4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperazine-1-carbodithioate (2) and DMP = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, have been synthesized and characterized. The DNA-binding affinity of these metal complexes was investigated by UV–visible spectrophotometry with DNA-binding constants of 6.2 × 10⁴ M^?1 (1) and 1.2 × 10⁵ M^?1 (2) and electrostatic binding mode was confirmed by viscometric measurements. For insight into the structural differences, both complexes were studied computationally. B3LYP/LANL2DZ level of Density Functional Theory was used for the computational studies in Gaussian 09. The optimized bond lengths are in agreement with the reported values. Comparative computational studies reveal interesting transformations in bond lengths, angles, Natural Bond Orbital charges, molecular orbitals, Molecular Electro Static Potentials, and global chemical reactivity indices. Based on quantum chemical results a structure–activity relationship has been attempted.     

Synthesis, nucleic acid binding and cytotoxicity of oligonuclear ruthenium complexes containing labile ligands

We report the synthesis, nucleic acid binding and cytotoxicity of the complexes [Ru(terpy)(Me₂bpy)Cl]⁺, [Ru(terpy)(phen)Cl]⁺ and dinuclear [{Ru(terpy)Cl}₂(??-bb_n)]²⁺ {where Me₂bpy = 4,4??-dimethyl-2,2??-bipyridine; phen = 1,10-phenanthroline; and bb_n = bis[4(4??-methyl-2,2??-bipyridyl)]-1,n-alkane, with n = 7, 10, 12, 14}. The complexes were isolated from the reaction of the [Ru(terpy)Cl₃] precursor with the respective bidentate and di-bidentate bridging ligands. The time-course UV?CVisible spectroscopy of the reaction of the mono- and dinuclear complexes with guanosine 5-monophosphate (GMP) showed the movement of the metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) band to lower wavelengths, accompanied by a hypochromism effect. The formation of the aqua complex and phosphate-bound intermediates in the reaction were detected by the time-course ¹H NMR and ³¹P NMR experiments, which also demonstrated that the complex bound to the N7 guanine was the major product. The UV?CVisible and ¹H NMR studies showed no evidence of the interaction of the complexes with both adenosine 5-monophosphate (AMP) and cytidine 5-monophosphate (CMP). Cytotoxicity studies of these complexes against a murine leukemia L1210 cell line revealed that the dinuclear [{Ru(terpy)Cl}₂(??-bb_n)]²⁺ complexes were significantly more cytotoxic than mononuclear [Ru(terpy)(Me₂bpy)Cl]⁺. The [{Ru(terpy)Cl}₂(??-bb₁₄)]²⁺ complex appeared to be the most active (IC₅₀ = 4.2 ??M).     

DNA binding,cleavage, and cytotoxicity of binuclear phenolate nickel(II) complexes

Three binuclear phenolate complexes, [Ni₂(L¹)₂(OAc)](BPh₄)·DMF (1), [Ni₂(L²)₂(OAc)](BPh₄) (2), and [Ni₂(L³)₂(OAc)](OH)·3H₂O (3), where L¹ = 2-{[bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-4-methyl-phenol, L² = 2-{[bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-4-methoxy-phenol, and L³ = 2-{[bis-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-amino]-methyl}-4-tert-butyl-phenol), have been synthesized. Single-crystal diffraction reveals that all the metal atoms are in a distorted octahedral geometry. The interactions of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT-DNA) have been investigated by UV–vis absorption, fluorescence emission, and circular dichroism spectroscopy and viscosity measurements. Furthermore, DNA cleavage mechanism shows that the complexes may be capable to promote DNA cleavage through oxidative DNA damage pathway, which is indicative of the involvement of hydroxyl radical, singlet oxygen, or singlet oxygen-like entity in the cleavage process. Cytotoxicity studies on the Hela and MCF-7 cancer cell lines show that complexes 1–3 exhibit excellent activity toward the tested tumor cell lines with respect to the standard drug carboplatin, revealing that they have the potential to act as effective metal-based anticancer drugs.