Three pairs of enantiomers bearing mitochondria‐targeted TPP+ groups as potential anti‐cancer agents

Six complexes with chiral Schiff‐base ligands containing TPP⁺ groups, [VO L ^R,R/^S,S](ClO₄)₂( 1 for RR, 2 for SS), [Ni L ^R,R/S,S](ClO₄)₂·C₂H₅OH ( 3 for RR, 4 for SS) and [CuL^R,R/S,S](ClO₄)₂·CHCl₃·CH₃CH₂OH ( 5 for RR, 6 for SS) ( L ^R,R/S,S = N,N′‐Bis{5‐[(triphenylphosphonium)‐methyl]salicylidine}‐(1R,2R/1S,2S)‐diphenylethane‐1,2‐diamine, were synthesized to serve as mitochondrion‐targeting anticancer drugs. The introduction of TPP⁺ group(s) might markedly influence the properties of complexes. Compounds 3 and 5 were structurally characterized by X‐ray crystallography. Complexes 1–6 could be moderate intercalating agents to CT‐DNA which is determined by several spectroscopy methods. DNA cleavage experiments revealed that all compounds could promote oxidative cleavage of pBR322 plasmid DNA in the presence of H₂O₂. MTT assay indicated 1–6 exhibited effective cytotoxicity on A549 and MCF‐7 cell lines. Notably, the IC₅₀ values of 5 (1.24 ± 0.33 μM) or 6 (1.47 ± 0.52 μM) were approximately 9–11 fold lower than that of cisplatin (IC₅₀ = 13.56 ± 0.88 μM) on A549 cells. 5 and 6 were picked for further study, which indicated that the cytotoxicity seems to result from multiple mechanisms of action, including effectively suppress the growth and proliferation of A549 cells, generation of reactive oxygen species, dissipation of mitochondrial membrane potential, cell cycle perturbation and apoptosis induction. Compounds 1–6 could highly accumulate in the mitochondria by means of ICP‐MS assay. This study demonstrates that 1–6 with mitochondrion‐targeting function could be efficient anticancer drugs.     

Synthesis and Analysis of the Structure,Diffusion and Cytotoxicity of Heterocyclic Platinum(IV) Complexes

We have developed six dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) compounds with cytotoxic potential. Each derived from active platinum(II) species, these complexes consist of a heterocyclic ligand (H_L) and ancillary ligand (A_L) in the form [Pt(H_L)(A_L)(OH)₂]²⁺, where H_L is a methyl‐functionalised variant of 1,10‐phenanthroline and A_L is the S,S or R,R isomer of 1,2‐diaminocyclohexane. NMR characterisation and X‐ray diffraction studies clearly confirmed the coordination geometry of the octahedral platinum(IV) complexes. The self‐stacking of these complexes was determined using pulsed gradient stimulated echo nuclear magnetic resonance. The self‐association behaviour of square planar platinum(II) complexes is largely dependent on concentration, whereas platinum(IV) complexes do not aggregate under the same conditions, possibly due to the presence of axial ligands. The cytotoxicity of the most active complex, exhibited in several cell lines, has been retained in the platinum(IV) form.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological activities of two novel orthopalladated complexes: Interactions with DNA and bovine serum albumin,antitumour activity and molecular docking studies

[Pd(L₁)(C,N)]CF₃SO₃ and [Pd(L₂)(C,N)]CF₃SO₃ (L₁ = 2,2′ ‐bipyridine, L₂ = 1,10‐phenanthroline and C,N = benzylamine) novel orthopalladated complexes have been synthesized and characterized using various techniques. The binding of the complexes with native calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) was monitored using UV–visible absorption spectrophotometry, fluorescence spectroscopy and thermal denaturation studies. Our results indicate that these complexes can strongly bind to CT‐DNA via partial intercalative mode. In addition, fluorescence spectrometry of bovine serum albumin (BSA) with the complexes shows that the fluorescence quenching mechanism of BSA is a static process. The results of site‐competitive replacement experiments with specific site markers clearly indicate that the complexes bind to site I of BSA. Notably, the complexes exhibit significant in vitro cytotoxicity against two human cancer cell lines (Jurkat and MCF‐7) with IC₅₀ values varying from 37 to 53 μM. Finally, a molecular docking experiment effectively proves the binding of the Pd(II) complexes to DNA and BSA.     

Synthesis,Characterization and Nuclease Activity of Ternary Copper(Ⅱ) Complexes Containing Dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine and L-α-Amino Acids

Two new complexes: [Cu(dppz)(L‐val)(H₂O)]ClO₄ ( 1 ) and [Cu(dppz)(L‐tyr)(H₂O)]ClO₄·1.5H₂O ( 2 ) (dppz=dipyrido[3,2‐a:2′,3′‐c]phenazine, L‐val=L‐valinate, L‐tyr=L‐tyrosinate) have been synthesized and investigated by elemental analysis, molar conductivity, UV‐Vis and IR spectroscopies. Complex 1 has been structurally characterized by the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction method, which crystallizes in the triclinic space group P‐1 in a unit cell of a=0.9095(2) nm, b=1.3301(3) nm, c=1.3552(3) nm, α =93.518(3) °, β=97.192(3) °, γ=106.361(3) °, V=1.5526(6) nm³, Z=2, D_c=1.598 g·cm^?3, µ=0.849 mm^?1. The DNA binding and cleavage properties of the complexes have been studied by UV spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, viscosity measurement and agarose gel electrophoresis. The results show that the complexes can bind DNA by intercalation and cleave pBR322 DNA by free hydroxyl radical induced by the complexes in the presence of ascorbate, giving the order of the binding abilities and cleavage activity of the complexes to DNA: complex 2 > 1 .     

Phosphoester binding,DNA binding,DNA cleavage and in vitro cytotoxicity studies of simple heteroleptic copper(II) complexes with bidentate ligands

Abstract

Two mononuclear heteroleptic copper complexes, [Cu(±trans-dach)(bpy)](ClO₄)₂ 1a and [Cu(±trans-dach)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ 2a [dach?=?1,2-diaminocyclohexane, bpy?=?2,2′-bipyridine and phen?=?1,10-phenanthroline], were synthesized and analyzed by CHN analysis, electronic absorption, FT-IR spectroscopy, EPR, and SXRD. The molecular structures of 1a and 2a showed octahedral geometry around Cu(II). Both complexes interacted with phosphoesters and DNA. Their binding affinities with diphenylphosphate, di n-butylphosphate, trimethylphosphate, and triphenylphosphate were studied by UV–vis spectroscopy. For understanding the stereochemical role of dach ligand toward DNA interaction, enantiopure DACH complexes [Cu(R,R-trans-dach(bpy)](ClO₄)₂ 1b, [Cu(S,S-trans-dach)(bpy)](ClO₄)₂ 1c, [Cu(cis-dach)(bpy)](ClO₄)₂ 1d, [Cu(R,R-trans-dach)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ 2b, [Cu(S,S-trans-dach)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ 2c, and [Cu(cis-dach)(phen)](ClO₄)₂ 2d were synthesized and analyzed. All complexes interacted with calf thymus-DNA (CT-DNA) as studied by UV–vis spectroscopy. The nature of binding to CT-DNA was groove/electrostatic as supported by circular dichroism, cyclic voltammetry, and docking studies. Complexes were able to cleave plasmid DNA at 12.5 µM (1a–d) and 6 µM (2a–d), where 2d showed 64% Form II and 36% Form III. The in vitro cytotoxic studies of two different cancer cell lines showed inhibition with low IC₅₀ value in comparison to reference control (cisplatin). These complexes are efficient in inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, making them viable for potent anticancer activity.     

Redox active and inactive binuclear cobalt(II) and zinc(II) complexes with N6O/N3O coordinating ligands: synthesis,biological activities and cytotoxicity

Four complexes, namely [Zn₂L¹(OAc)₂](PF₆) ( 1 ); [Zn₂L¹(OAc)₂](BPh₄) ( 2 ); [Co₂L¹Cl₂](PF₆) ( 3 ); and [Zn₂L²(PhCOO)₂Cl] ( 4 ) (L¹ = 2,6‐bis(((2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl)(pyridine‐2‐ylmethyl)amino)methyl)‐4‐methoxyphenol; L² = 2‐(((2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl)(pyridin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino)methyl)‐4‐methoxyphenol), have been synthesized. Single‐crystal diffraction reveals that the metal atoms in the four complexes are in different coordination environments. The interactions of the complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) have been investigated using UV absorption, fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopies and viscosity measurements, and the modes of CT‐DNA binding for the complexes have been proposed. Further experiments show that the Zn(II)/H₂O₂ system displays significant oxidative cleavage of supercoiled DNA attributed to the peroxide ion coordinated to the Zn(II) ions enhancing their nucleophilicity. This is a rare phenomenon. DNA cleavage mechanism shows that the complexes examined here may be capable of promoting DNA cleavage through an oxidative DNA damage pathway, which is indicative of the involvement of singlet oxygen in the cleavage process. In vitro cytotoxicity of complexes against three human tumor cell lines (HeLa, MCF‐7 and HepG2) demonstrates that these complexes have the potential to act as effective metal‐based anticancer drugs. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Tri‐ and diorganotin(IV) derivatives of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug sulindac: Characterization,electronic structures (DFT), DNA binding and plasmid cleavage studies

Tri‐ and diorganotin(IV) derivatives of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug sulindac ( Sul ), coordinated with carboxylate oxygen, namely C₂₃H₂₅FO₃SSn ( 1 ), C₃₈H₃₁FO₃SSn ( 2 ), C₃₂H₄₃FO₃SSn ( 3 ), C₅₂H₄₂F₂O₆S₂Sn ( 4 ), C₄₄H₄₄S₂Cl₂O₆F₂Sn₂ ( 5 ), C₄₈H₅₀F₂O₆S₂Sn ( 6 ) and C₅₆H₆₆F₂O₆S₂Sn ( 7 ), have been synthesized and characterized using analytical and spectroscopic (IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ¹¹⁹Sn NMR and ESI‐MS) techniques. Optimized geometry and electronic structures of the complexes obtained from density functional theory calculations indicate that complexes 1 , 2 , 3 and 7 are tetra‐coordinated with monodentate carboxylates, 4 and 6 are hexa‐coordinated with highly distorted octahedral geometry, whereas 5 is penta‐coordinated with distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry. Probable mode of DNA binding with ligand ( Sul ) and complexes 1 – 7 has been revealed via various biophysical techniques (UV–visible spectroscopy, fluorometry and circular dichroism). Intrinsic binding constants (K _b) obtained from UV–visible spectroscopy for Sul and complexes 1 – 7 are 3.69 × 10⁴, and 7.3 × 10³, 1.14 × 10⁴, 1.47 × 10⁴, 1.55 × 10⁴, 1.49 × 10⁴, 2.02 × 10⁴, 1.17 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, respectively. The quenching constants (K _sv) using fluorometric titrations, calculated from competitive binding of ethidium bromide versus Sul /complexes with calf thymus DNA, also correspond to the above results. Circular dichroism spectral patterns of calf thymus DNA with Sul and complexes 1 – 7 have also been investigated. All the results reveal that the complexes bind with DNA through partial intercalative mode. pBr322 plasmid fragmentation has also been studied using gel electrophoresis, which shows the fragmentation of circular DNA by an increase in nicked form and also by the appearance of linear form with increasing concentration of drug or complexes.     

Triple Helicates with Golden Strands: Self‐Assembly of M2Au6 Complexes from Gold(I) Metallaligands and Iron(II), Cobalt(II) or Zinc(II) Cations

Alkynyl gold(I) metallaligands [(AuC≡Cbpyl)₂(μ‐diphosphine)] (bpyl=2,2′‐bipyridin‐5‐yl; diphosphine=Ph₂P(CH₂)_nPPh₂, [n=3 (L^Pr), 4 (L^Bu), 5 (L^Pent), 6 (L^Hex)], dppf (L^Fc), Binap (L^Binap) and Diop (L^Diop)) react with MX₂ (M=Fe, Zn, X=ClO₄; M=Co, X=BF₄) to give triple helicates [M₂(L^R)₃]X₄. These complexes, except those containing the semirigid L^Binap metallaligand, present similar hydrodynamic radii (determined by diffusion NMR spectroscopy measurements) and a similar pattern in the aromatic region of their ¹H NMR spectra, which suggests that in solution they adopt a compact structure where the long and flexible organometallic strands are folded. The diastereoselectivity of the self‐assembly process was studied by using chiral metallaligands, and the absolute configuration of the iron(II) complexes with L^Binap and L^Diop was determined by circular dichroism spectroscopy (CD). Thus, (R)‐L^Binap or (S)‐L^Binap specifically induce the formation of (Δ,Δ)‐[Fe₂((R)‐L^Binap)₃](ClO₄)₄ or (Λ,Λ)‐[Fe₂((S)‐L^Binap)₃](ClO₄)₄, respectively, whereas (R,R)‐ or (S,S)‐L^Diop give mixtures of the ΔΔ‐ and ΛΛ‐diastereomers. The ΔΔ helicate diastereomer is dominant in the reaction of Fe^II with (R,R)‐L^Diop, whereas the ΛΛ isomer predominates in the analogous reaction with (S,S)‐L^Diop. The photophysical properties of the new dinuclear alkynyl complexes and the helicates have been studied. The new metallaligands and the [Zn₂(L^R)₃]⁴⁺ helicates present luminescence from [π→π*] excited states mainly located in the C≡Cbpyl units.     

Metal(II) complexes of bioactive aminonaphthoquinone-based ligand: synthesis,characterization and BSA binding,DNA binding/cleavage,and cytotoxicity studies

An aminonaphthoquinone ligand, L, and its metal complexes of general formula [MLCl₂] {M = Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)} have been synthesized and characterized by analytical and spectral techniques. Tetrahedral geometry has been assigned to Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes and square planar geometry to Co(II) and Cu(II) complexes on the basis of electronic spectral and magnetic susceptibility data. The binding of complexes with bovine serum albumin (BSA) is relatively stronger than that of free ligand and alters the conformation of the protein molecule. Interaction of these complexes with CT-DNA has been investigated using UV-Vis and fluorescence quenching experiments, which show that the complexes bind strongly to DNA through intercalative mode of binding (K_app 10⁵ M^?1). Molecular docking studies reiterate the mode of binding of these compounds with DNA, proposed by spectral studies. The ligand and its complexes cleave plasmid DNA pUC18 to nicked (Form II) and linear (Form III) forms in the presence of H₂O₂ oxidant. The in vitro cytotoxicity screening shows that Cu(II) complex is more potent against MCF-7 cells and Zn(II) complex exhibits marked cytotoxicity against A-549 cells equal to that of cisplatin. Cell imaging studies suggested apoptosis mode of cell death in these two chosen cell lines.     

Enhanced Anion Binding from Unusual Coordination Modes of Bis(thiourea) Ligands in Platinum Group Metal Complexes

Treatment of a range of bis(thiourea) ligands with inert organometallic transition‐metal ions gives a number of novel complexes that exhibit unusual ligand binding modes and significantly enhanced anion binding ability. The ruthenium(II) complex [Ru(η⁶‐p‐cymene)(κS,S′,N‐ L³ ?H)]⁺ ( 2 b ) possesses juxtaposed four‐ and seven‐membered chelate rings and binds anions as both 1:1 and 2:1 host guest complexes. The pyridyl bis(thiourea) complex [Ru(η⁶‐p‐cymeme)(κS,S′,N_py‐ L⁴ )]²⁺ ( 4 ) binds anions in both 1:1 and 1:2 species, whereas the free ligand is ineffective because of intramolecular NH???N hydrogen bonding. Novel palladium(II) complexes with nine‐ and ten‐membered chelate rings are also reported.     

Desymmetrization of meso diols using enantiopure zinc (II) dimers: Synthesis and chiroptical properties

The one‐pot metal templated synthesis of enantiopure binuclear Zn (II) complexes Zn₂L¹–Zn₂L⁴ were obtained by treating (1R,2R)‐diphenylethylenediamine or (1S,2S)‐diphenylethylenediamine with 2‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐1,3‐benzenedicarboxaldehyde or 4‐tert‐butyl‐2,6‐diformylphenol and zinc acetate. The chiroptical properties of the complexes were studied by using circular dichroism spectroscopy. These ΔΔ and ΛΛ complexes were used as enantioselective catalysts for desymmetrization of meso diol to achieve monobenzoylated product with 96% yield and 88% ee.     

Synthesis,Characterization, and DNA‐Binding Properties of the Chiral Ruthenium(II) Complexes Δ‐ and Λ‐[Ru(bpy)2(dmppd)]2+ (dmppd = 10,12‐Dimethylpteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione; bpy = 2,2′‐Bipyridine)

Two novel chiral ruthenium(II) complexes, Δ‐[Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ and Λ‐[Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ (dmppd = 10,12‐dimethylpteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13(10H,12H)‐dione, bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H‐NMR and ES‐MS. The DNA‐binding behaviors of both complexes were studied by UV/VIS absorption titration, competitive binding experiments, viscosity measurements, thermal DNA denaturation, and circular‐dichroism spectra. The results indicate that both chiral complexes bind to calf‐thymus DNA in an intercalative mode, and the Δ enantiomer shows larger DNA affinity than the Λ enantiomer does. Theoretical‐calculation studies for the DNA‐binding behaviors of these complexes were carried out by the density‐functional‐theory method. The mechanism involved in the regulating and controlling of the DNA‐binding abilities of the complexes was further explored by the comparative studies of [Ru(bpy)₂(dmppd)]²⁺ and of its parent complex [Ru(bpy)₂(ppd)]²⁺ (ppd = pteridino[6,7‐f] [1,10]phenanthroline‐11,13 (10H,12H)‐dione).     

Synthesis,Structures, and Magnetic Properties of Chiral One‐dimensional CrIII‐MnIII Heterobimetallic Complexes Based on [(Tp)Cr(CN)3]–

Two Cr^III‐Mn^III heterobimetallic compounds, [Mn((R,R)‐5‐MeOSalcy)Cr(Tp)(CN)₃ · 2CH₃CN]_n ( 1‐RR ) and [Mn((S,S)‐5‐MeOSalcy)Cr(Tp)(CN)₃·2CH₃CN]_n ( 1‐SS ) [Salcy = N,N′‐(1,2‐cyclohexanediylethylene)bis(salicylideneiminato) dianion], were synthesized by using the tricyanometalate building block, [(Tp)Cr(CN)₃]^– [Tp = tris(pyrazolyl) hydroborate] and chiral Mn^III Schiff base precursors. Structural analyses and circular dichroism (CD) spectra revealed that 1‐RR and 1‐SS are a pair of enantiomers containing a neutral cyano‐bridged zigzag chain with (–Cr–C≡N–Mn–N≡C–)_n as the repeating unit. Magnetic studies show that antiferromagnetic couplings between Cr^III and Mn^III ions occur by cyanide bridges. 1‐RR and 1‐SS present metamagnetic, spin‐canting, and antiferromagnetic order behaviors at low temperatures.     

Chiral Recognition of Racemic Proline based on Chiral Macrocyclic Nickel(II) Complex: Synthesis and Crystal Structures

The reactions of dl‐proline with chiral macrocyclic Ni^II complex [Ni(SS‐L)](ClO₄)₂ in acetonitrile/water gave a six‐coordinate enantiomer formulated as [Ni(SS‐L)(l‐Pro)](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O ( 1 ). Another enantiomer of [Ni(RR‐L)(d‐Pro)](ClO₄)₂ · H₂O ( 2 ) was obtained when [Ni(RR‐L)](ClO₄)₂ was used (L = 5,5,7,12,12,14‐hexamethyl‐1,4,8,11‐tetraazacyclotetradecane, Pro = proline). Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses of complexes 1 and 2 revealed that the Ni^II atom has a distorted octahedral coordination arrangement, being coordinated by four nitrogen atoms of L in a folded configuration, plus two carboxylate oxygen atoms of proline in mutually cis positions. Complexes 1 and 2 are supramolecular stereoisomers, which are constructed with hydrogen bonding linking of [Ni(SS‐L)(l‐Pro)]²⁺ and [Ni(RR‐L)(d‐Pro)]²⁺ monomers to form one‐dimensional zigzag chains. The homochiral natures of complexes 1 and 2 were confirmed by solid CD spectroscopy.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological application of cyclometalated heteroleptic platinum(II) complexes

A series of square planar cyclometalated heteroleptic platinum(II) complexes of the type [(C^N)Pt(O^O)] [where, O^O is a β‐diketonato ligand of acetylacetone (acac), C^N = cyclometalating 7‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine (L¹), 7‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine (L²), 7‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine (L³), 7‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐5‐phenylpyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine (L⁴), 5‐phenyl‐7‐(p‐tolyl)pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine (L⁵)] have been design, synthesized and characterized. All compounds have been screened for biological studies like in vitro antibacterial, in vitro cytotoxicity, cellular level cytotoxicity, absorption titration, viscosity measurements, fluorescence quenching analysis, molecular docking and DNA nuclease. The intrinsic binding constants (K_b) of compounds with HS‐DNA has been obtained in range of 2.892–0.242 × 10⁵ M^?1. All the compounds bound with HS DNA by partial intercalative mode of binding. MIC study has been carried out against Gram^(+ve) and Gram^(?ve) bacterial species. In vitro cytotoxicity against brine shrimp lethality bioassay has been also carried out. The LC₅₀ values of the ligands and complexes have been found in range of 56.49–120.22 μg/mL and 6.71–11.96 μg/mL, respectively.     

Antioxidant,DNA interaction,molecular docking and cytotoxicity studies of aminoethylpiperazine‐containing macrocyclic binuclear copper(II) complexes

A series of new macrocyclic binuclear copper(II) complexes of the type [Cu₂L^1–5(ClO₄)](ClO₄) ( 1 – 5 ) were synthesized by template condensation between precursor compounds 2,6‐bis(4‐aminoethylpiperazin‐1‐ylmethyl)‐4‐substituted phenols and 2,6‐diformyl‐4‐substituted phenols. The synthesized precursors and complexes were characterized using regular physicochemical techniques. The rate constant values obtained for the hydrolysis of 4‐nitrophenylphosphate were in the range 1.83 × 10⁻²–4.19 × 10⁻² min⁻¹. Antioxidant studies against 2,2′‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl revealed the antioxidant potency of the synthesized complexes. Binding studies of the complexes with calf thymus DNA were conducted using electronic, viscometric and voltammetric techniques, and the obtained results suggested a non‐covalent groove mode of binding. The oxidative cleavage of pBR322 DNA in the presence of co‐reactant H₂O₂ and radical scavengers showed single strand scission and involvement of H₂O₂ radical in the cleavage process. Molecular docking studies were performed to insert complexes into the crystal structures of 1BNA and VEGFR kinase at active sites to determine the possible binding mode and predominant binding interactions. In vitro cytotoxicity of the complexes was tested against human epidermoid carcinoma cells (A431) by MTT assay, which revealed the effective anticancer activity of the complexes. Live cell and fluorescent imaging of A431 cells showed that the complexes induce cell death through apoptosis.     

Preparation,characterization and biological evaluation of two chiral binuclear copper(II) complexes

Two chiral Cu(II) complexes of [Cu₂(R‐L)₂](PF₆)₂·2C₂H₅OH ( 1 ) and [Cu₂(S‐L)₂](PF₆)₂·2C₂H₅OH ( 2 ) (HL = 2‐(Bis(quinolin‐2‐ylmethyl)amino)‐1‐propanol) were designed and synthesized to serve as chemical nucleases and anticancer drugs. X‐ray crystallography revealed that two complexes contain chiral binuclear cations and PF₆^? anions. The interaction of two complexes with CT‐DNA was researched via various spectroscopic techniques and viscosity measurement, indicating that the complexes were bound to CT‐DNA by a classical intercalation binding mode. In addition, the two complexes exhibited remarkable DNA cleavage activity with an optimal dosage of 10 μM in the absence of any exogenous oxidant agent. Both of the complexes showed excellent in vitro cytotoxicity on A549 cell lines with IC₅₀ values in the low micromolar range. Moreover, complex 2 could damage DNA of A549 cells into fragmentation and then induced cell apoptosis in a dose‐dependent manner, which was demonstrated by comet assay and Hoechst 33342 staining experiment. Further research showed that complex 2 could also induce G₂ and S phase cell cycle arrest.     

Assemblies of 1D and 2D Copper(II) Chiral Coordination Polymers by Salicylaldehyde Schiff Bases: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Magnetic Properties

Reaction of CuCl₂ · 2H₂O with chiral Schiff bases and sodium dicyanamide led to the formation of two chiral copper(II) coordination polymers, namely [Cu₄(L¹)₂(dca)₄]_n ( 1 ) and [Cu₂(L²)(μ‐Cl)(dca)(H₂O)]_n · nH₂O ( 2 ) {H₂L¹ = (1R, 3S)‐N′,N′′‐bis[salicylidene]‐1,3‐diamino‐ 1,2,2‐trimethylcyclopentane, H₂L² = (1R, 3S)‐N′,N′′‐bis[3‐ethoxysalicylidene]‐1,3‐diamino‐ 1,2,2‐trimethylcyclopentane, dca = dicyanamide}. Both complexes were structurally characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1 exhibits a two‐dimensional polymeric structure formed by single dca bridging tetranuclear Cu₄ units. Complex 2 displays a left‐handed helical chain structure constructed from Cu₂ dimers with single dca bridges. The chirality of 1 and 2 was confirmed by circular dichroism (CD) measurements in solution. Both complexes exhibit strong antiferromagnetic couplings with J = –308(4) cm^–1 for 1 and J = –123(1) cm^–1 for 2 in 2–300 K.     

Kinetic and Mechanistic Investigations on Some N,N‐Chelated Pt(II) Oxalate Complexes with Some “S” Containing Biorelevant Ligands at Physiological Condition

The substitution of the chelating oxalate group by a group of nucleophiles, viz. thiourea (L₁), 2‐thiouracil (L₂), diethyldithiocarbamate (L₃), dl ‐penicillamine (L₄), and thiosemicarbazide (L₅) was studied under pseudo–first‐order conditions as a function of concentration and temperature using UV–vis spectrophotometry and stopped‐flow technique. π‐Accepting effects are often used to account for the unusual high lability of Pt(bipy) complexes. The complexes [Pt(dach)(oxalate)] (1) (dach = cis‐1,2‐diaminocyclohexane) and [Pt(bipy)(oxalate)] (2) (bipy = 2,2'‐bipyridine) and substituted products were isolated and characterized by FTIR and ESI‐MS spectroscopic analysis. The negative entropies of activation support a strong contribution from bond making in the transition state of the substitution processes.     

Synthesis and characterization of water‐soluble copper(II), cobalt(II) and zinc(II) complexes derived from 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulphonic acid: DNA binding and cleavage studies

Three water‐soluble complexes, [Cu₂L₂Cl₂] ( 1 ), [CoL₂(im)₂] ( 2 ) and [ZnLClH₂O] ( 3 ) (HL = 8‐hydroxyquinoline‐5‐sulphonic acid; im = N ‐methylimidazole), were prepared and characterized using various spectral techniques. The DNA binding behaviour of complexes 1 – 3 was studied using UV–visible and circular dichroism (CD) spectra and cyclic voltammetry. All three complexes exhibit hypochromism but complexes 1 and 3 alone give a red shift of 4 nm with a significant binding constant of K _b = 2.1 × 10⁴ and 1.0 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, respectively, but complex 2 shows no red shift with lower K _b of 4.1 × 10³ M⁻¹. The voltammetric E _1/2 of complex 1 on interaction with herring sperm DNA shifts to a more positive potential, as expected, than complex 2 due to higher DNA affinity. Additionally, analysis of electrochemical data yields a value of K ₊/K ₂₊ greater than one suggesting that complex 1 binds to DNA through intercalation in the M(I) state. Evidently in CD spectral analysis, complex 1 exhibits a decrease in molar ellipticity with a red shift of 10 nm and a significant decrease in intensity compared to complexes 2 and 3 . This clearly indicates that complex 1 induces the B → A transition to a greater extent than 2 and 3 . Oxidative cleavage using circular plasmid pUC18 DNA with complex 1 was investigated using gel electrophoresis. Interestingly, complex 1 displays a strong DNA binding affinity and is efficient in cleaving DNA in the presence of H₂O₂ at pH = 8.0 at 37 °C.