Synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic studies of cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes containing meta-bis(2-pyridoxy)benzene

A series of mononuclear and binuclear cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes containing new terdentate meta-bis(2-pyridoxy)benzene ligands: 3,5-bis(2-pyridoxy)toluene (L₁H) and 3,5-bis(2-pyridoxy)-2-dodecylbenzene (L₂H): [Pt(L₁)Cl] (1), [Pt(L₂)Cl] (2), [Pt(L₁)(CH₃CN)](ClO₄) (3), {[Pt(L₁)]₂(μ-dppm)}(ClO₄)₂ (4), {[Pt(L₂)]₂(μ-dppm)}(ClO₄)₂ (5), {[Pt(L₁)]₂(μ-pyrazole)}(ClO₄) (6), {[Pt(L₂)]₂(μ-pyrazole)}(ClO₄) (7), {[Pt(L₁)]₂(μ-imidazole)}(ClO₄) (8) and {[Pt(L₂)]₂(μ-imidazole)}(ClO₄) (9), have been synthesized and characterized. These ligands are coordinated to platinum(II) in a “pincer”-like manner and the presence of pyridyl donors enhances the availability of the ligand π^∗ orbitals for electronic transition. Spectroscopic properties of these cyclometalated complexes were studied. While the non-coplanar nature of the ligands hinders ligand-ligand and metal-metal interactions in these cyclometalated complexes, the presence of long hydrocarbon side chain on ligand L₂H seems to alleviate such hindrance. Intermolecular π-π, and possibly Pt-Pt interactions were observed in complex 2 at high concentration.     

Advances on supramolecular assembly of cyclometalated platinum(Ⅱ) complexes

Organoplatinum(Ⅱ) compounds have received enormous attention over the past decades due to their square-planar geometry as well as intriguing photo-physical properties.Self-assembly has emerged as an excellent approach to create well-ordered supramolecular architectures with tunable properties,which underpin the role of solvent-directed approach for the design of functional materials.In this minireview,the recent advances on supramolecular self-assembly of cyclometalated platinum(Ⅱ) complexes have been discussed.During the self-assembly process,non-covalent Pt-Pt and π-π interactions play crucial roles in controlling the structures and functions of the resulting assemblies.     

Heteroscorpionate‐based heteroleptic copper(II) complexes: Antioxidant,molecular docking and in vitro cytotoxicity studies

Three new heteroscorpionate ligands, (2‐hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)methane (HL¹), (4‐diethylamino‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)methane (HL²) and (5‐bromo‐2‐hydroxyphenyl)bis(imidazol‐1‐yl)methane (HL³), and their heteroleptic copper(II) complexes of the type [Cu(L^1–3)diimine]ClO₄ ( 1 – 6 ; where diimine =2,2′‐bipyridyl or 1,10‐phenanthroline) have been synthesized and characterized using spectroscopic methods. The molecular structure of ligand HL¹ was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. UV–visible, electron paramagnetic resonance and theoretical studies suggest a distorted square pyramidal geometry around copper(II) ion. Analyses of highest occupied and lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals have been used to explain the charge transfer taking place within the complexes. The antioxidant activities of the heteroscorpionate ligands and their heteroleptic copper(II) complexes were determined using ABTS, DPPH and H₂O₂ free radical scavenging assays with respect to standard antioxidant ascorbic acid. In molecular docking studies, the complexes showed π–π, hydrogen bonding, van der Waals and electrostatic interactions with fibroblast growth factor receptor kinase. In vitro cytotoxicity activities of ligands and copper(II) complexes were examined on human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF‐7), cervical (HeLa) and lung (A549) cancer cell lines and normal human dermal fibroblast cell line using MTT assay. Complex 4 exhibited higher anticancer activity than the other complexes against all three cancer lines, being more potent than the standard drug cisplatin.     

Cytotoxic performances of new anionic cyclometalated Pt(II) complexes bearing chelated O^O ligands

The in vitro biological activity towards the MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cell line of two different series of anionic Pt(II) organometallic complexes was tested. For the first time, cytotoxic activity of anionic Pt(II) complexes has been observed. The anionic compounds of general formula NBu₄[(C^N)Pt(O^O)], where (C^N) represents the cyclometalated form of 2-phenylpyridine (H(PhPy)), 2-thienylpyridine (H(Thpy)) or 2-benzo[h]quinoline (H(Bzq)), feature two different (O^O) chelated ligands: tetrabromocatechol [BrCat]²⁻ ( 1 – 3 ) or alizarine [Aliz]²⁻ ( 4 – 6 ). Complexes 1 – 6 displayed a significant cytotoxic effect against the studied cell line (IC₅₀ range of 1.9–52.8 μM). For BrCat-containing complexes 1 – 3 , the biological activity was independent of the nature of the coordinated (C^N) ligand. In contrast, in the case of 4 – 6 , the cytotoxicity (significantly high for 4 ) was concomitantly induced by the presence of either the PhPy or the [Aliz]²⁻ ligand. Since complexes 1–6 are emissive in solution, the potential use of 4 as a theranostic agent was investigated using confocal analysis. The fluorescence signal from MDA-MB-231 cells incubated with 4 indicated the localization of the compound into the cytosol region.     

Tetrakis(thione)platinum(II) complexes: synthesis,spectroscopic characterization,crystal structures,and in vitro cytotoxicity

A new series of platinum(II) complexes based on thione ligands with general formula [Pt(thione)₄]X₂ (X^??=?Cl^?, NO₃^?) has been synthesized and characterized using CHNS elemental analysis, infrared, ¹H and ¹³C solution-state NMR as well as ¹³C and ¹⁵N solid-state NMR spectroscopy, and X-ray crystallography. The spectroscopic methods confirm the coordination of Pt(II) with thiocarbonyl groups via sulfur of the thione ligands. The X-ray structures showed a distorted square planar geometry for 1, [Pt(MeImt)₄]Cl₂ (MeImt = N-Methylimidazolidine-2-thione) while the hydrogen bonding interactions in 7, [Pt(iPrImt)₄](NO₃)₂·0.6(H₂O) induce a bent see-saw distortion relative to the ideal square planar geometry. The in vitro cytotoxicity studies showed that 2, [Pt(EtImt)₄]Cl₂ is generally the most effective, a two-fold better cytotoxic agent than cisplatin and carboplatin against MCF7 (human breast cancer).     

Design,synthesis, pharmacological evaluation and DNA interaction studies of binuclear Pt(II) complexes with pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine scaffold

Substituted pyrazolo[1,5‐a]pyrimidine ligands were synthesized by cyclization, using 3‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazol‐5‐amine with substituted enones (3‐phenyl‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one) in presence of KOH and DMF as solvent to form cyclic aromatic compounds. The substituted pyrazolo[1,5‐a] pyrimidine based binuclear Pt^II complexes containing neutral tetradentated ligands have general formula [Pt₂(5a–5f)Cl₄], (where, (5a ‐5f) = pyrazolo[1,5‐a] pyrimidine ligand). This compounds were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic method like elemental analyses, UV‐Visible, FT‐IR, EDX, TGA, molar conductivity, magnetic susceptibility measurements, mass spectroscopy, ¹H and ¹³C NMR method. The square planar geometry was predicted by electronic spectral study. All Pt^II compounds were evaluated by antimicrobial assay, in vitro brine shrimp assay, in vivo cellular level bioassay using S. Pombe cells and anti‐tuberculosis study. LC₅₀ (50% lethal concentration) values of compounds are observed between 6.450 ‐ 102.07 μg/mL. UV‐vis absorption titration, competitive displacement assay, molecular docking and viscosity measurement were carried out to examine the binding type and binding strength of complexes. The binding studies suggest partial intercalative binding mode of the complexes and the observed binding constant (K_b) values are found in the order of 6d > 6b > 6c > 6a > 6e > 6 f. The anti‐proliferative cytotoxicity of the synthesized Pt^II complexes (6a‐6f) were tested against the HCT‐116 (Human Colorectal Carcinoma) cancer cell line.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological applications of new copper(II) complexes of aryl hydrazones

On treatment of copper(II) acetate with aryl hydrazone ligands, four new solid derivatives of copper(II) were produced in appreciable yields. Various characterization techniques including infrared, UV–visible, NMR, electron paramagnetic resonance and mass spectroscopies, elemental analysis, scanning electron microscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis revealed a tetra‐coordination in all the mononuclear crystalline complexes with high thermal stability. Further, significant interaction of these novel complexes with calf thymus DNA via intercalative mode of binding was revealed by electronic absorption spectroscopy. The chemical nuclease activity of the complexes on pBR322 DNA was investigated in the presence and absence of oxidizing agent (H₂O₂). A potent nuclease activity was observed only in the presence of H₂O₂. Further, antibacterial and antifungal studies of the new ligands and complexes revealed that the latter possessed comparatively better activity.     

Synthesis,characterization and cytotoxicity of platinum(II) complexes containing reduced amino acid ester Schiff bases

Nine platinum(II) complexes containing reduced amino acid ester Schiff bases were synthesized and characterized using spectroscopy (¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, infrared), elemental analysis and molar conductivity. The interaction of these complexes with salmon sperm DNA was investigated by means of ultraviolet and circular dichroism spectroscopies. The potential antitumor activity of all compounds was tested in vitro on HeLa and A549 tumor cell lines. Almost all the complexes exhibited better cytotoxic activity than cisplatin against these cell lines.     

Synthesis and characterization of new platinum(II) phosphinate complexes

The syntheses of platinum(II) complexes of bis(dimethylphosphinylmethylene)amine and bis(aminomethyl)phosphinic acid were investigated. In the case of bis(dimethyl-phosphinylmethylene)amine the reaction with K₂[PtCl₄] yields the potassium amino-trichloroplatinate K[PtCl₃L] (L?=?bis(dimethylphosphinylmethylene)amine), which was characterized by multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P, and ¹⁹⁵Pt) NMR spectroscopy in solution. Bis(aminomethyl)phosphinic acid reacts with K₂[PtCl₄] under strictly controlled pH conditions to give colorless crystals of the cisplatin analog K[PtCl₂L′] (L′?=?bis(aminomethyl)phosphinate). This complex was characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy in solution as well as by single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the solid state. The bis(aminomethyl)phosphinate coordinates to platinum via both amino functions, thus acting as a chelating ligand.     

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.     

Synthesis,characterization, and reactivity studies in ethylene polymerization of cyclometalated palladium(II) complexes containing terdentate ligands with N,C,N-donors

The reaction of [Na₂PdCl₄] with 3,5-bis(2-pyridoxy)toluene (L_pyH) in acetic acid yields the cyclometalated complex [PdCl(L_py-N, C, N)] (1). Complex 1 can be further converted into neutral species by metathesis reaction exchange of chloride by either iodide or thiocyanate to yield [PdX(L_py-N, C, N)] (X = I (2), SCN (3)). The chloride can be replaced by neutral ligands like pyridine or acetonitrile in the presence of silver tetrafluoroborate to give the corresponding cationic compounds [PdL(L_py-N, C, N)]BF₄ (L = Py (4), MeCN (5)). In contrast, the reaction of [Na₂PdCl₄] with 3,5-bis(3, 5-dimethylpyrazol-1-ylmethyl)toluene (L_pzH) under analogous conditions yields the neutral complex [PdCl₂(L_pzH-N, N)](6) with the ligand bidentate N,N-donor. The cyclometalated palladium complex [PdCl(L_pz-N, C, N)] (7) was prepared by the reaction of Pd(OAc)₂ with L_pzH in acetic acid followed by a metathetic reaction with lithium chloride in acetone/water. Complexes 1, 6, and 7 in the presence of methylaluminoxane (MAO) lead to an active catalyst for the polymerization of ethylene.     

Synthesis, structure, and biological activity of mixed-ligand platinum(II) complexes with aminonitroxides

Mixed-ligand platinum complexescis-Pt^II(R⁶NH₂)(NH₃)X₂ andcis-Pt^II(R⁵NH₂)(NH₃)X₂ (R⁶ is 2,2,6,6-tetramethyl-4-piperidyl-1-oxyl and R⁵ is 2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-3-pyrrolidinyl-1-oxyl) were synthesized by either the reaction of aminonitroxides RNH₂ with Na[Pt^II(NH₃)Cl₂I] generatedin situ (for X₂=ClI) or by replacement of the iodo-chloro ligands incis-Pt¹¹(RNH₂)(NH₃)ClI by dichloro and oxalato ligands. The complexes obtained were characterized by elemental analysis and by IR, UV, and ESR spectra. Forcis-Pt¹¹(R⁵NH₂)(NH₃)Cl₂, crystal and molecular structures were determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Cisplatin accelerates autooxidation of methyl linoleate and the platinum nitroxide complexes synthesized exhibit antioxidant properties. The rate of isolated DNA binding with the new complexes is almost as high as that for cisplatin.cis-Pt¹¹(R⁶NH₂)(NH₃)Cl₂ exhibits the highest antitumor activity. The high antitumor activity of platinum nitroxide complexes shows that the possible “radical component” is not a crucial factor in the cytotoxic action of cisplatin. Published inIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 9, pp. 1624–1630, September, 2000.     

Synthesis and in vitro cytotoxicity of platinum(II) complexes with chiral N-monosubstituted 1,2-cyclohexyldiamine derivatives as the carrier groups

Eight platinum(II) complexes with the new chiral ligands, (1R,2R)-N ¹-(pyridine-2-ylmethyl) cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (R) or (1S,2S)-N ¹-(pyridine-2-ylmethyl) cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (S) as the carrier groups were designed, synthesized, and spectrally characterized. All platinum(II) complexes showed much better aqueous solubility than cisplatin and oxaliplatin. In vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds against human HepG-2, MCF-7, A549, and HCT-116 cell lines was evaluated. Results indicate that all compounds with R as the carrier group showed cytotoxicity against HCT-116, A549, and MCF-7 cell lines; however, all compounds with S as carrier group exhibited disappointing cytotoxicity against tested cell lines. Compound R2, bearing ClCH₂COO^- as leaving group, exhibited better cytotoxicity than that of carboplatin against A549 and MCF-7 cell lines and also showed close activity to oxaliplatin against HCT-116 cell line.     

Synthesis,characterization, and biological activity of new mixed ammine/amine platinum(IV) complexes

A series of mixed ammine/amine platinum(IV) complexes with lipophilic ligands in their axial positions were designed, synthesized, and spectrally characterized. In vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of these complexes and their lead compounds have been carried out against A549, SMMC-7721, MCF-7, and SW480 human cancer cell lines. The introduction of carboxylate ions as leaving group can improve the aqueous solubility and stability of the platinum(II) complexes. The carboxylato ligands and chloride ligands in the axial position markedly increased the lipophilicity and cytotoxicity of compounds C4 and C5. Particularly, compound C5 showed two to eight times higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin and satraplatin against selected cell lines. For its oral activity and no cross-resistance potentiality, C5 is expected to be an antitumor platinum drug candidate. This novel class of platinum compounds represents a valuable lead in the development of new-generation agents capable of demonstrating cytotoxicity superior to that of the clinically established cisplatin.     

Synthesis and spectral studies on Co (II) and Ni (II) complexes with polyfunctional quinazoline-(3H)-4-ones

A series of complexes of Co(II) and Ni(II) with 2-(R)-3-(X)-substituted quinazoline-(3H)-4-ones, where R = methyl/phenyl and X = furalamino, uramino and thiouramino have been synthesised and characterised by analytical, conductivity, thermal and magnetic, infrared and electronic spectral data. Based on analytical and conductivity studies the stoichiometries of the complexes have been established. Conductivity data also show that all these complexes are non-electrolytes. Infrared spectral data indicate that all the ligands manifest neutral bidentate with both the metal ions. Geometries for the complexes have been proposed based on electronic spectral data. Various electronic spectral parameters have been calculated for all the complexes and relevant conclusions have been drawn with respect to the nature of bonds present in them.     

Synthesis,characterization, antiproliferative,and antimicrobial activity of osmium(II) half-sandwich complexes

New osmium(II)-arene complexes [(η⁶-C₆H₆)OsCl(C₅H₄N-2-CH=N-C₆H₅X)](PF₆) (X = p-flouro (1), p-chloro (2), p-methyl (3)) were synthesized by reaction of the corresponding bidentate N,N′-ligands with the osmium-arene precursor [(η⁶-C₆H₆)Os(μ-Cl)Cl]₂ in a 2:1 ratio. These complexes were characterized by UV–Vis, IR, ¹H, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis and, for compound 1, a single crystal X-ray structure was also obtained. The complexes were investigated for antiproliferative activity in vitro against MCF-7 (human breast adenocarcinoma), Caco-2 (human epithelial colorectal adenocarcinoma), and HepG2 (human hepatocellular carcinoma) tumor cell lines. To test their selectivity, the non-tumor HEK293 (human embryonic kidney) cell line was used. The compounds were selective toward the tumor cell lines when compared to the known anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil which displayed low selectivity. The compounds were substantially more active against Caco-2 than 5-fluorouracil. They also showed moderate activity against the other two tumor cell lines. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of complex 2 was explored against a panel of antimicrobial-susceptible and -resistant Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Complex 2 showed anti-mycobacterial activity against Mycobacterium smegmatis and bactericidal activity against drug-resistant Enterococcus faecalis and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 43300.     

New complexes of Zn(II) with the anti-inflammatory non-steroidal drug,ibuprofen and nitrogen donor ligands. Synthesis,characterization and biological activity

Complexes of [Zn(ibup)₂(4,4′-bipy)]_n 1, [Zn(ibup)₂(phen)] 2, [Zn(ibup)₂(2,9-dmphen)] 3, [Zn(ibup)₂(1,2-dmimidazole)₂] 4, and [Zn(ibup)₂(2-am-6-picoline)₂] 5 (ibu = ibuprofen, 4,4′-bipy = 4,4′-bipypyridine, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, 2,9-dmephen = 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline, 1,2-dmimidazole = 1,2-dimethylimidazole, and 2-am-6-picoline = 2-amino-6-picoline) were prepared and characterized. The crystal structure of 1 was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The in vitro anti-bacterial activities for the complexes against Gram-positive (Micrococcus luteus, Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) and Gram-negative (Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumonia and Proteus mirabilis) bacteria were done using the agar well-diffusion method. Complexes 1–3 showed anti-bacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, while 4 and 5 did not exhibit anti-bacterial activity. Complexes 2 and 3 were selected for further studies. Complexation of zinc-ibuprofen with phen as in 2 decreased the anti-bacterial activity against most of the bacteria used. The complexation in 3 decreased the anti-bacterial activity in Gram-positive bacteria but for Gram-negative bacteria, the overall anti-bacterial activity of uncoordinated 2,9-dmphen was enhanced upon coordination with zinc ibuprofen.     

Synthesis,characterization, crystal structure and antiproliferative activity of platinum(II) complexes with 2-acetylpyridine-4-cyclohexyl-thiosemicarbazone

New platinum complexes have been synthesized by the reaction of Na₂PtCl₄ with 2-acetylpyridine-4-cyclohexyl-thiosemicarbazone, HAc4CyclHexyl (1). The new complexes [Pt(Ac4CyclHexyl)Cl] (2) and [Pt(Ac4CyclHexyl)₂] (3) have been characterized by elemental analyses and spectroscopic studies. The crystal structure of the complex [Pt(Ac4CyclHexyl)Cl] · DMF has been solved by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The anion of Ac4CyclHexyl coordinates in a planar conformation to the central platinum(II) through the pyridyl N, azomethine N and thiolato S atoms. The crystal packing is determined by double intermolecular hydrogen interactions, π–π, Pt–C and Pt–π contacts. The cytotoxic activities of 1–3 have been evaluated for antiproliferative activity in vitro against the cells of three human cancer cell lines: MCF-7 (human breast cancer cell line), T24 (bladder cancer cell line), A-549 (non-small cell lung carcinoma) and a mouse L-929 (a fibroblast-like cell line cloned from strain L). The compounds 1–3 display IC₅₀ values in a μM range better than that of the antitumor drug cisplatin and are considered as agents with potential antitumor activity candidates for further stages of screening in vitro and/or in vivo.     

Ruthenium(II) chalconate complexes: Synthesis, characterization, catalytic, and biological studies

A series of new hexa-coordinated ruthenium(II) carbonyl complexes of the type [RuCl(CO)(EPh₃)(B)(L)] (E = P or As; B = PPh₃, AsPh₃ or Py; L = 2′-hydroxychalcones) have been prepared by reacting [RuHCl(CO)(EPh₃)₂(B)] (E = P or As; B = PPh₃, AsPh₃ or Py) with 2′-hydroxychalcones in benzene under reflux. The new complexes have been characterized by analytical and spectral (IR, electronic, ¹H, ³¹P and ¹³C NMR) data. Based on the above data, an octahedral structure has been assigned for all the complexes. The new complexes exhibit catalytic activity for the oxidation of primary and secondary alcohols into their corresponding aldehydes and ketones in the presence of N-methylmorpholine-N-oxide (NMO) as co-oxidant and also found efficient catalyst in the transfer hydrogenation of ketones. The antifungal properties of the complexes have also been examined and compared with standard Bavistin.     

Synthesis,characterization, DNA binding studies and in vitro cytotoxicity of platinum(II)-dihalogenido complexes containing bidentate chelating N-donor ligands

Platinum(II) complexes, [Pt(L_x)X₂] (1–6), where X = Br or I and L_x = 2,2′-bipyridine or 1,10-phenanthroline derivatives (5,5′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (5-Mebpy), 4,4′-dimethyl-2,2′-bipyridine (4-Mebpy), and 5-amino-1,10-phenanthroline (5-NH₂phen)) were prepared. The complexes were characterized by the elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, infrared, and multinuclear (¹H, ¹³C and ¹⁹⁵Pt) 1-D and 2-D NMR spectroscopies, and by single-crystal X-ray analysis of [Pt(4-Mebpy)I₂] (4). All the platinum(II) complexes (1–6) were evaluated for in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines A2780 and A2780R, and against non-malignant MRC5 cell line. All the complexes were nontoxic up to the 50 μM concentration, although they were found to readily bind to calf-thymus DNA (CT-DNA), as determined by spectrophotometric titration (K_b ≈ 10⁷ M^?1) and ethidium bromide displacement assay.