Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 2, 2025

The Synthesis, Characterization and Reactivity of a Series of Ruthenium N-triphosPh Complexes
Published on: April 10, 2015
Ruthenium(II) Polypyridyl Complexes Containing Simple Dioxo Ligands: a Structure-Activity Relationship Study Shows
Albert Gandioso1, Alessio Vidal2, Pierre Burckel3,4
1Chimie ParisTech, PSL University, CNRS, Institute of Chemistry for Life and Health Sciences, Laboratory for Inorganic Chemical Biology, 75005, Paris, France.
Abstract:
Cancer is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Platinum complexes (i. e., cisplatin, carboplatin, and others) are currently heavily used for the treatment of different types of cancer, but unwanted effects occur. Ruthenium complexes have been shown to be potential promising alternatives to these metal-based drugs. In this work, we performed a structure-activity relationship (SAR) study on two small series of Ru(II) polypyridyl complexes of the type [Ru(L1)2 (O^O)]Cln (3-8), where L1 is 4,7-diphenyl-1,10-phenantroline (DIP) or 1,10-phenantroline (phen), and O^O is a symmetrical anionic dioxo ligand: oxalate (ox, n=0), malonate (mal, n=0), or acetylacetonate (acac, n=1). These two self-consistent series of compounds allowed us to perform a systematic investigation for establishing how the nature of the ligands and the charge affect the anticancer properties of the complexes. Cytotoxicity tests on different cell lines demonstrated that some of the six compounds 3-8 have a promising anticancer activity. More specifically, the cationic complex [Ru(DIP)2 (η2 -acac)]Cl (4) has IC50 values in the mid-nanomolar concentration range, lower than those of cisplatin on the same cell lines. Interestingly, [Ru(DIP)2 (η2 -acac)]Cl was found to localize mainly in the mitochondria, whereas a smaller fraction was detected in the nucleus. Overall, our SAR investigation demonstrates the importance of combining the positive charge of the complex with the highly lipophilic diimine ligand DIP.
More Related Videos
09:17Reductive Electropolymerization of a Vinyl-containing Poly-pyridyl Complex on Glassy Carbon and Fluorine-doped Tin Oxide Electrodes
Published on: January 30, 2015
09:00An In Vitro Enzymatic Assay to Measure Transcription Inhibition by GalliumIII and H3 5,10,15-trispentafluorophenylcorroles
Published on: March 18, 2015
Related Concept Videos
Metal-Ligand Bonds
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
Complexation Equilibria: The Chelate Effect
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Complexometric Titration: Ligands
EDTA: Chemistry and Properties
ortho–para-Directing Activators: –CH3, –OH, –⁠NH2, –OCH3