Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes of aminothiazole‐derived Schiff base ligands: Synthesis,characterization, antibacterial and cytotoxicity evaluation,bovine serum albumin binding and density functional theory studies

Transition metal complexes of type M(L)₂(H₂O)_x were synthesized, where L is deprotonated Schiff base 2,4‐dihalo‐6‐(substituted thiazol‐2‐ylimino)methylphenol derived from the condensation of aminothiazole or its derivatives with 2‐hydroxy‐3‐halobenzaldehyde and M = Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ (x = 0 for Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺; x = 2 for Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺). The synthesized Schiff bases and their metal complexes were thoroughly characterized using infrared, ¹H NMR, electronic and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopies, elemental analysis, molar conductance and magnetic susceptibility measurements, thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. The results reveal that the bidentate ligands form complexes having octahedral geometry around Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ metal ions while the geometry around Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ metal ions is four‐coordinated. The geometries of newly synthesized Schiff bases and their metal complexes were fully optimized in Gaussian 09 using 6–31 + g(d,p) basis set. Fluorescence quenching data reveal that Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes bind more strongly to bovine serum albumin in comparison to Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes. The ligands and their complexes were evaluated for in vitro antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (Gram negative) and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29213 (Gram positive) and cytotoxicity against lever hepatocellular cell line HepG2.     

Bioactive Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) Complexes Containing a Tridentate Sulfathiazole-Based (ONN) Schiff Base

New Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) complexes were synthesized with the Schiff base ligand obtained by the condensation of sulfathiazole with salicylaldehyde. Their characterization was performed by elemental analysis, molar conductance, spectroscopic techniques (IR, diffuse reflectance and UV–Vis–NIR), magnetic moments, thermal analysis, and calorimetry (thermogravimetry/derivative thermogravimetry/differential scanning calorimetry), while their morphological and crystal systems were explained on the basis of powder X-ray diffraction results. The IR data indicated that the Schiff base ligand is tridentate coordinated to the metallic ion with two N atoms from azomethine group and thiazole ring and one O atom from phenolic group. The composition of the complexes was found to be of the [ML₂]∙nH₂O (M = Co, n = 1.5 (1); M = Ni, n = 1 (2); M = Cu, n = 4.5 (3)) type, having an octahedral geometry for the Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes and a tetragonally distorted octahedral geometry for the Cu(II) complex. The presence of lattice water molecules was confirmed by thermal analysis. XRD analysis evidenced the polycrystalline nature of the powders, with a monoclinic structure. The unit cell volume of the complexes was found to increase in the order of (2) < (1) < (3). SEM evidenced hard agglomerates with micrometric-range sizes for all the investigated samples (ligand and complexes). EDS analysis showed that the N:S and N:M atomic ratios were close to the theoretical ones (1.5 and 6.0, respectively). The geometric and electronic structures of the Schiff base ligand 4-((2-hydroxybenzylidene) amino)-N-(thiazol-2-yl) benzenesulfonamide (HL) was computationally investigated by the density functional theory (DFT) method. The predictive molecular properties of the chemical reactivity of the HL and Cu(II) complex were determined by a DFT calculation. The Schiff base and its metal complexes were tested against some bacterial strains (Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus subtilis). The results indicated that the antibacterial activity of all metal complexes is better than that of the Schiff base.     

Synthesis,spectroscopic, and thermal analyses of trinuclear Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes with some sulfa derivatives

New bi- and trihomonuclear Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), and Zn(II) complexes with sulfa-guanidine Schiff bases have been synthesized for potential chemotherapeutic use. The complexes are characterized using elemental and thermal (TGA) analyses, mass spectra (MS), molar conductance, IR, ¹H-NMR, UV-Vis, and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra as well as magnetic moment measurements. The low molar conductance values denote non-electrolytes. The thermal behavior of these chelates shows that the hydrated complexes lose water of hydration in the first step followed by loss of coordinated water followed immediately by decomposition of the anions and ligands in subsequent steps. IR and ¹H-NMR data reveal that ligands are coordinated to the metal ions by two or three bidentate centers via the enol form of the carbonyl C=O group, enolic sulfonamide S(O)OH, and the nitrogen of azomethine. The UV-Vis and ESR spectra as well as magnetic moment data reveal that formation of octahedral [Mn₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] (1), [Co₂(L¹)₂(H₂O)₈] (2), [Ni₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₆] (3), [Mn₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] (5), [Co₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] · 4H₂O (6), [Ni₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] · 7H₂O (7), [Mn₃L³(AcO)₃(H₂O)₆] (9), [Co₂(HL³)₂(H₂O)₈] · 4H₂O (10), [Ni₃L³(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] (11), [Mn₃L⁴(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] · H₂O (13), [Co₂(HL⁴)₂(H₂O)₈] · 5H₂O (14), and [Ni₃L⁴(AcO)₃(H₂O)₉] (15) while [Zn₂L¹(AcO)₂(H₂O)₂] (4), [Zn₃L²(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · 2H₂O (8), [Zn₃L³(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · 3H₂O (12), and [Zn₃L⁴(AcO)₃(H₂O)₃] · 2H₂O (16) are tetrahedral. The electron spray ionization (ESI) MS of the complexes showed isotope ion peaks of [M]⁺ and fragments supporting the formulation.     

Synthesis, spectral and structural studies of 1-ethoxycarbonyl-piperazine-4-carbodithioate and its Co(III), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes

The new complexes [Co(ecpzdtc)₃] (2) [Zn(ecpzdtc)₂(py)] (3) and [Cd(ecpzdtc)₂(py)]·H₂O (4) have been synthesized from sodium 1-ethoxycarbonyl-piperazine-4-carbodithioate [(Na⁺(ecpzdtc)⁻]. The ligand and the complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR, magnetic susceptibility and single crystal X-ray data. The [Zn(ecpzdtc)₂(py)] and [Cd(ecpzdtc)₂(py)]·H₂O complexes contain pyridine as the co-ligand. [Co(ecpzdtc)₃] (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic system, whereas [Zn(ecpzdtc)₂(py)] (3) and [Cd(ecpzdtc)₂(py)]·H₂O (4) crystallize in the triclinic system. The sulfur donor sites of the bidentate ligand chelate the metal center, forming a four-membered CS₂M ring. The cobalt complex has a distorted octahedral geometry, the zinc complex is almost between trigonal bipyramidal and square pyramidal, whereas the cadmium complex is square pyramidal. The crystal structures of all the complexes are stabilized by various types of inter and intramolecular hydrogen bonding.     

Coordination compounds of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with capric acid hydrazide

The reaction of aquo-ethanolic solutions of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) salts and ethanolic solution of capric acid hydrazide (L) yielded paramagnetic, high-spin bis- and tris(ligand) chelate complexes. The tris(ligand) complexes, [ML ₃]X ₂·nH₂O [M=Co(II), Ni(II);X=NO ₃ ^– , ClO ₄ ^– , 1/2SO ₄ ^2– ], have an octahedral structure formed on account of the bidentate (NO) coordination of three neutral hydrazide molecules. In the bis(ligand) complexes,ML ₂(NCS)₂ [M=Co(II), Ni(II)] and CuL ₂ X ₂·nH₂O (X=NO ₃ ^– , ClO ₄ ^– and 1/2SO ₄ ^2– ), the oxoanions and NCS^– take also part in coordination. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, magnetic measurements, molar conductivity and TG analysis.

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Caprinsäurehydrazid-Komplexe von Co(II), Ni(II) und Cu(II)

Zusammenfassung Durch die Reaktion von wäßrig-ethanolischen Lösungen von Co(II)-, Ni(II)-und Cu(II)-Salzen mit einer ethanolischen Lösung von Caprinsäurehydrazid (L) wurden paramagnetische high-spin Bis- und Tris-Ligand-Chelatkomplexe erhalten. Tris-Ligand-Komplexe des Typs [ML ₃ X ₂·nH₂O [M=Co(II), Ni(II);X=NO ₃ ^– , ClO ₄ ^– , 1/2SO ₄ ^2– ], die eine oktaedrische Struktur besitzen, entstehen durch die Koordination von drei neutralen zweizähnigen (NO)-Hydrazidmolekülen. Bei den Bis-Ligand-KomplexenML ₂(NCS)₂ [M=Co(II), Ni(II)], sowie bei den Bis-Ligand-Komplexen CuL ₂ X ₂·nH₂O (X=NO ₃ ^– , ClO ₄ ^– , 1/2SO ₄ ^2– ) nehmen bei der Koordination außer Hydrazid auch die Säurereste teil. Die Komplexe wurden durch Elementaranalyse, IR-Spektren, magnetische Messungen, molare Leitfähigkeit und TG-Analysen charakterisiert.

     

Synthesis and characterization of potassium 1,3-bis(N-methylpiperazino)propan-2-O-xanthate and the complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(I) ions

Potassium 1,3-bis(N-methyl piperazino)propan-2-O-xanthate (LK), and its complexes with Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(I) ions have been prepared and characterized as [CoL₂(H₂O)₂], [NiL₂(H₂O)₂]·2H₂O and CuL·2H₂O by FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C?NMR spectroscopies, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility and TGA techniques.     

Synthesis and structural studies of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cd(II) complexes with 2-acetylpyridine

Three new mononuclear complexes [Co(2-Acpy)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ (1), [Ni(2-Acpy)₂(H₂O)₂](NO₃)₂ (2) and [Cd(2-Acpy)₂(NO₃)₂] (3) (2-Acpy = 2-acetylpyridine) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The structures of 1 and 3 were accomplished by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic investigation of 1 reveals monomeric, dicationic units in which the cobalt(II) ion is six-coordinate. The coordination sphere is formed by two N, O bidentate acetylpyridine ligands and two water molecules. The crystal structure of 3 consists of monomeric units in which the cadmium is eight-coordinate. Both the organic ligand and nitrate groups are bidentate chelators. The supramolecular solid-state architecture is sustained by π–π interactions.     

Synthesis and characterization of Co(II), Ni(II), Zn(II) and Cu(II) complexes with a new tetraazamacrocyclic Schiff base ligand containing a piperazine moiety: X-ray crystal structure determination of the Co(II) complex

Two macrocyclic Schiff base ligands, L¹ [1+1] and L² [2+2], have been obtained in a one-pot cyclocondensation of 1,4-bis(2-formylphenyl)piperazine and 1,3-diaminopropane. Unfortunately, because of the low solubility of both ligands, their separation was unsuccessful. In the direct reaction of these mixed ligands (L¹ and L²) and the appropriate metal ions only [CoL¹(NO₃)]ClO₄, [NiL¹](ClO₄)₂, [CuL¹](ClO₄)₂ and [ZnL¹(NO₃)]ClO₄ complexes have been isolated. All the complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, IR, FAB-MS, conductivity measurements and in the case of the [ZnL¹(NO₃)]ClO₄ complex with NMR spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new pyrrolidine containing sulfur ligand and the transition metal complexes of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(I)

Potassium 1,3-dipyrrolidinopropan-2-O-xanthate (LK), and its complexes with Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(I) have been prepared and characterized as [CoL₂(H₂O)₂]?·?2H₂O, [NiL₂(H₂O)₂] and CuL?·?2H₂O by FT-IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies, elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility and TGA techniques.     

The Synthesis,Characterization and Conductance Studies of New Cu(II), Ni(Ii) And Zn(II) Complexes with the Schiff Base Derived from 1,2-Bis-(o-Aminophenoxy)Ethane and Salicylaldehyde

Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes with the Schiff base derived from 1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane with salicylaldehyde have been prepared. The complexes have been characterized by elemental analysis, magnetic measurements, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV, visible and IR spectra as well as conductance measurements. The ligand is coordinated to the central metal as a tetradentate ONNO ligand. The four bonding sites are the central azomethine nitrogen and aldehydic OH groups. The ligand was used for complexation studies. Stability constants were measured by a conductometric method. Furthermore, the stability constants for complexation between ZnCl₂ and Cu(NO₃)₂ salts and N,N′-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)ethane (H₂L) in 80% dioxane/water and pure methanol were determined from conductance measurements. The magnitudes of these ion association constants are related to the nature of the solvation of the cation and the complexed cation. The mobilities of the complexes are also dependent, in part, upon solvation effects.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel Cd(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) complexes with 2-quinolinecarboxaldehyde selenosemicarbazone. Crystal structure of bis(2-quinolinecarboxaldehyde selenosemicarbazonato)nickel(II)

New complexes of Cd(II), Zn(II) and Ni(II) with 2-quinolinecarboxaldehyde selenosemicarbazone (Hqasesc) were synthesized and structurally characterized. The structure of the ligand, Cd(II) and Zn(II) complexes was determined by NMR and IR spectroscopy, elemental microanalysis and molar conductivity measurements. Both complexes occur in solution in two forms, the major tetrahedral and minor octahedral. In the major Cd(II) complex one qasesc⁻ ligand is coordinated as a tridentate, the fourth coordination site being occupied by acetate, while in the major Zn(II) complex two qasesc⁻ ligands are coordinated as bidentates. In both minor complexes two qasesc⁻ ligands are coordinated as tridentates forming the octahedral geometry around the central metal ion. The only paramagnetic complex in the series is Ni(II) complex for which X-ray structure analysis was performed. The complex has the angularly distorted octahedral geometry with two qasesc⁻ ligands coordinated as tridentates, in a similar way as in the minor complexes of Cd(II) and Zn(II).     

Thermal, spectral and magnetic characterization of Co(II), Ni(II) AND Cu(II) 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates

Physico-chemical properties of 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates of Co(II), Ni(II), and Cu(II) were studied. The complexes were obtained as mono- and trihydrates with a metal ion to ligand ratio of 1:2. All analysed 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates are polycrystalline compounds with colours depending on the central ions: pink for Co(II), green for Ni(II), and blue for Cu(II) complexes. Their thermal decomposition was studied only in the range of 293–523 K, because it was found that on heating in air above 523 K 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates decompose explosively. Hydrated complexes lose crystallization water molecules in one step and anhydrous compounds are formed. The final products of their decomposition are the oxides of the respective transition metals. From the results it appears that during dehydration process no transformation of nitro group to nitrite takes place. The solubilities of analysed complexes in water at 293 K are of the order of 10^–4–10^–2 mol dm^–3. The magnetic moment values of Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions in 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates experimentally determined at 76–303 K change from 3.89 to 4.82 μ_B for Co(II) complex, from 2.25 to 2.98 μ_B for Ni(II) 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoate, and from 0.27 to 1.44 μ_B for Cu(II) complex. 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoates of Co(II), and Ni(II) follow the Curie–Weiss law. Complex of Cu(II) forms dimer.     

Spectroscopic evaluation of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes derived from thiosemicarbazone and semicarbazone

Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) complexes were synthesized with thiosemicarbazone (L(1)) and semicarbazone (L(2)) derived from 2-acetyl furan. These complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, molar conductance, magnetic moment, mass, IR, electronic and EPR spectral studies. The molar conductance measurement of the complexes in DMSO corresponds to non-electrolytic nature. All the complexes are of high-spin type. On the basis of different spectral studies six coordinated geometry may be assigned for all the complexes except Co(L)(2)(SO(4)) and Cu(L)(2)(SO(4)) [where L=L(1) and L(2)] which are of five coordinated square pyramidal geometry.     

Synthesis,characterization and antimicrobial activity of pentagonal-bipyramidal isothiocyanato Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes with 2,6-diacetylpyridine bis(trimethylammoniumacetohydrazone)

Pentagonal-bipyramidal isothiocyanato Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes with condensation product of 2,6-diacetylpyridine and trimethylammoniumacetohydrazide (Girard’s T reagent) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR and UV–vis spectra, molar conductivity, and magnetic susceptibility. Crystal structures of the Co(II) and Ni(II) complexes were also determined. Antimicrobial activities of the ligand and metal complexes were examined.     

Synthesis,characterization and antimicrobial activity of Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes with N′,N′-bis[(1E)-1-(2-pyridyl)ethylidene]propanedihydrazide. Crystal structures of two highly solvated bimetallic complexes of Ni(II)

The bimetallic [Ni₂(H₂L2)₂](ClO₄)₄ (1), [Ni₂(HL2)(H₂L2)](ClO₄)₃ (2) and [Zn₂(H₂L2)₂](BF₄)₄ (3) complexes (H₂L2 = N′,N′²-bis[(1E)-1-(2-pyridyl)ethylidene]propanedihydrazide) were synthesized and characterized. The structure of complexes (1) and (2) was established by X-ray analysis. NMR spectroscopy was used for the characterization of complex (3). The complexes (1) and (2) were obtained from the same synthetic reaction and two crystal types of these complexes have been isolated during the fractional crystallization process.     

Synthesis and characterization of biologically active new Schiff bases containing 3‐functionalized 1,2,4‐triazoles and their zinc(II) complexes: crystal structure of 4‐bromo‐2‐[(E)‐(1H‐1,2,4‐triazol‐3‐ylimino)‐ methyl]phenol

Biologically active triazole Schiff bases ( L ¹  L ³ ) derived from the reaction of 3‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole with chloro‐, bromo‐ and nitro‐ substituted salicylaldehydes and their Zn(II) complexes (1–3) have been synthesized and characterized by their physical, spectral and analytical data. Triazole Schiff bases potentially act as tridentate ligands and coordinate with the Zn(II) metal atom through salicylidene‐O, azomethine‐N and triazole‐N. The complexes have the general formula [M(L‐H)₂], where M = zinc(II) and L = ( L ¹ – L ³ ), and observe an octahedral geometry. The Schiff bases and their Zn(II) complexes have been screened for in‐vitro antibacterial, antifungal and brine shrimp bioassay. The biological activity data show the Zn(II) complexes to be more potent antibacterial and antifungal than the parent simple Schiff bases. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Cloud Point Extraction Simultaneous Spectrophotometric Determination of Zn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) in Water and Urine Samples by 1-(2-Pyridylazo)2-Naphthol Using Partial Least Squares Regression

A cloud-point extraction (CPE) process using the nonionic surfactant Triton X-114 to simultaneous extraction and spectrophotometric determination of Zn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) from aqueous solution using partial least squares (PLS) regression is investigated. The method is based on the color reaction of these cations with 1-(2-pyridylazo)2-naphthol and subsequent micelle-mediated extraction of products. The optimum extraction and reaction conditions such as pH, reagents concentration and effect of time have been studied. Linearity was obeyed in the range 2–150, 5–250 and 2–150 ng mL⁻¹ of Zn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) respectively. The relative standard error (RSE) for the simultaneous determination of 15 test samples of different concentrations of Zn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) was 4.38%;, 1.18% and 2.42%, respectively. The total relative standard error (RSE_t) for applying the PLS method to 15 synthetic samples in the linear ranges of these metals was 2.36%. The interference effect of some anions and cations was also tested. The method was applied to the simultaneous determination of Zn(II), Co(II) and Ni(II) in water and human urine samples.     

Synthesis and spectroscopic studies of novel transition metal complexes with schiff base synthesized from 1,4-bis-(<Emphasis Type="Italic">o</Emphasis>-aminophenoxy)butane and salicyldehyde

The new Co(II), Cu(II), Ni(II) and Zn(II) complexes of potentially N₂O₂ Schiff base ligand [N,N’-bis(salicyldehydene)-1,4-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)butane] (H₂L) prepared from 1,4-bis-(o-aminophenoxy)butane and salicyldehyde in DMF. Microanalytical data, elemental analysis, magnetic measurements, ^lH NMR, ¹³C NMR, UV-visible and IR spectra as well as conductance measurements were used to confirm the structures. In all complexes, H₂L behaves as a tetradentate. The article is published in the original.     

Complexes of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) with 4-chloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid anion

The complexes of 4-chloro-2-methoxybenzoic acid anion with Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ were obtained as polycrystalline solids with general formula M(C₈H₆ClO₃)₂·nH₂O and colours typical for M(II) ions (Mn – slightly pink, Co – pink, Ni – slightly green, Cu – turquoise and Zn – white). The results of elemental, thermal and spectral analyses suggest that compounds of Mn(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) are tetrahydrates whereas those of Co(II) and Ni(II) are pentahydrates. The carboxylate groups in these complexes are monodentate. The hydrates of 4-chloro-2-methoxybenzoates of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) heated in air to 1273 K are dehydrated in one step in the range of 323–411 K and form anhydrous salts which next in the range of 433–1212 K are decomposed to the following oxides: Mn₃O₄, CoO, NiO and ZnO. The final products of decomposition of Cu(II) complex are CuO and Cu. The solubility value in water at 293 K for all complexes is in the order of 10^–3 mol dm^–3. The plots of χ_M vs. temperature of 4-chloro-2-methoxybenzoates of Mn(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) follow the Curie–Weiss law. The magnetic moment values of Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions in these complexes were determined in the range of 76−303 K and they change from: 5.88–6.04 μ_B for Mn(C₈H₆ClO₃)₂·4H₂O, 3.96–4.75 μ_B for Co(C₈H₆ClO₃)₂·5H₂O, 2.32–3.02 μ_B for Ni(C₈H₆ClO₃)₂·5H₂O and 1.77–1.94 μ_B for Cu(C₈H₆ClO₃)₂·4H₂O.     

Synthesis,characterization and cytotoxicity of Pt(II), Pd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with 4’‐substituted terpyridine

Eight novel Pt(II), Pd(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes with 4’‐substituted terpyridine were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, UV, IR, NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance, high‐resolution mass spectrometry and molar conductivity measurements. The cytotoxicity of these complexes against HL‐60, BGC‐823, KB and Bel‐7402 cell lines was evaluated by MTT assay. All the complexes displayed cytotoxicity with low IC₅₀ values (<20 μm ) and showed selectivity. Complexes 3 , 5 , 7 and 8 exerted 9‐, 5‐, 12‐ and 7‐fold higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin against Bel‐7402 cell line. The cytotoxicity of complexes 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 was higher than that of cisplatin against BGC‐823 cell line. Complexes 3 , 7 and 8 showed similar cytotoxicity to cisplatin against KB cell line. Complex 7 exhibited higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin against HL‐60 cell line. Among these complexes, complex 7 demonstrated the highest in vitro cytotoxicity, with IC₅₀ values of 1.62, 3.59, 2.28 and 0.63 μm against HL‐60, BGC‐823, Bel‐7402 and KB cells lines, respectively. The results suggest that the cytotoxicity of these complexes is related to the nature of the terminal group of the ligand, the metal center and the leaving groups. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.