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Co(II), Cu(II), and Ni(II) Coordination Complexes: Synthesis, Characterization, Experimental, and Computational Study
David Ezenarro-Salcedo1, Daniela Fonseca-López1, Alexander Patiño-Cubides1
1Grupo de investigación en Química Inorgánica, Catálisis y Bioinorgánica (GUIQUICB), Departamento de Química, Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia.
Chemmedchem
|June 22, 2026
Summary
New coordination complexes show potent antiplasmodial activity against drug-resistant malaria strains. Metal coordination significantly enhances efficacy compared to the free ligand, with C3 and C4 complexes showing promising therapeutic potential.
Area of Science:
- Coordination Chemistry
- Medicinal Chemistry
- Parasitology
Background:
- The development of novel antimalarial agents is crucial to combat drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum.
- Coordination complexes offer tunable properties for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and structurally characterize novel coordination complexes with potential antiplasmodial activity.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these complexes against chloroquine-sensitive and resistant Plasmodium falciparum strains.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and X-ray diffraction analysis of four coordination complexes (C1-C4) using 2-(tert-butoxy)-6-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridine ligand.
- Antiplasmodial activity assays against Plasmodium falciparum.
- Hemolytic profile assessment and computational analyses (electronic properties, lipophilicity, molecular docking).
Main Results:
- Four coordination complexes (C1-C4) were successfully synthesized and characterized, exhibiting a P-1 space group and 1,6M7-1 topology.
- All complexes demonstrated significant antiplasmodial activity, outperforming the free ligand, especially against resistant strains.
- Complexes C3 and C4 showed a favorable balance of activity, selectivity, and low hemolytic effects.
Conclusions:
- Metal coordination plays a key role in modulating the antiplasmodial activity of the studied complexes.
- Complexes C3 and C4 are promising candidates for further development as antimalarial drugs.
- Computational studies provide insights into the structure-activity relationships and potential mechanisms of action.
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