Characterization and biological evaluation of ruthenium(III) complexes of 2-fluorophenyl imines

The isolation and characterization of 2-fluorophenyl imines and their metal complexes based upon physical (quantitative analyses, molecular weight determinations and conductivity measurements) and spectral evidence (i.r. and 1H-, 13C- and 19F-n.m.r.) are described. Structural assignments have been made from spectral studies. The donor sites of ligands have been located and geometries of the donor environment around the RuIII acceptor centre are proposed. In view of the potential therapeutic activity exhibited by the fluoro ligands, RuIII complexes, together with their parent 2-fluorophenyl imines, were screened for biological activity. The results are encouraging.