The potential of organometallic complexes in medicinal chemistry

Organometallic complexes have unique physico-chemical properties, which have been widely used in homogenous catalysis, for example, for the synthesis of lead compounds and drug candidates. Over the past two decades, a few scientists from all over the world have extended the use of the specific characteristics of these compounds (e.g. structural diversity, possibility of ligand exchange, redox and catalytic properties) for medicinal purposes. The results are stunning. A few organometallic compounds have already entered clinical trials and it can be anticipated that several more will follow in coming years. In this short review, we present the specific advantages that organometallic metal complexes have over purely organic and also coordination compounds. Furthermore, using specific examples, we illustrate how these particular properties can be put to good use in medicinal chemistry. The examples we present have an emphasis on, but are not restricted to, anti-cancer activity.