Synthesis,characterization, DNA interaction studies and anticancer activity of platinum–clotrimazole complexes

New trans-platinum complexes of clotrimazole (CTZ) have been prepared and characterized. Their interaction with DNA and activity against tumour cell lines were evaluated. Pt (CTZ)₂I₂] (1) was synthesized by the reaction of K₂PtCl₄, KI and CTZ, and Pt(CTZ)₂Cl₂] (2) by direct reaction of K₂PtCl₄ with CTZ. These complexes were characterized by a combination of elemental analysis, molar conductivity, UV–Vis, IR, and NMR spectroscopy in one and two dimensions. DNA–platinum complex interactions were studied by spectroscopic, thermal denaturation and viscosity titration measurements. Covalent interaction studies were also performed. From these results we suggest that complexes 1 and 2 interact with the minor groove of DNA. Both complexes showed growth inhibitory effects on four out of the six tumour cells lines with GI₅₀ (50% growth inhibition) values in the 5–25 μM range, but there was no indication of cytotoxicity over the range of concentrations tested.