Dinuclear copper(II) complexes of Fenoprofen: synthesis,spectroscopic, thermal,and SOD-mimic activity studies

Three dinuclear copper(II) complexes with the anti-inflammatory drug Fenoprofen [Hfen, 2-(3-phenoxyphenyl)propionic acid] and nitrogen donors of general formula [Cu₂(fen)₄(L)] _n were prepared from [Cu₂(fen)₄(dmf)₂]·2H₂O (1) [dmf?=?N,N′-dimethylformamide; L?=?4,4′-bipyridine (2), pyrazine (3), and 2,5-dimethylpyrazine (4)]. The new complexes were characterized by chemical analysis, spectroscopic, and thermogravimetric techniques. Antioxidant properties of 1–4 were evaluated for superoxide-dismutase-mimic activity employing the XTT method. Complex 2 presented the highest antioxidant activity (IC₅₀?=?0.260?µmol?L^?1). Anti-inflammatory properties of 2 were evaluated employing carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice, revealing that the Fenoprofen–copper(II) complex containing 4,4′-bipyridine does not present enhanced anti-inflammatory activity compared to the uncomplexed parent drug Fenoprofen calcium salt.