Versatile synthesis of cationic N-heterocyclic carbene-gold(i) complexes containing a second ancillary ligand. Design of heterobimetallic ruthenium-gold anticancer agents

Chem Commun (Camb). 2016 Feb 21;52(15):3155-8. doi: 10.1039/c5cc09718e.

Abstract

We describe a versatile and quick route to cationic gold(i) complexes containing N-heterocyclic carbenes and a second ancillary ligand (such as phosphanes, phosphites, arsines and amines) of interest for the synthesis of compounds with potential catalytic and medicinal applications. The general synthetic strategy has been applied in the preparation of novel cationic heterobimetallic ruthenium(ii)-gold(i) complexes that are highly cytotoxic to renal cancer Caki-1 and colon cancer HCT 116 cell lines while showing a synergistic effect and being more selective than their monometallic counterparts.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cations
  • Gold / chemistry*
  • Heterocyclic Compounds / chemical synthesis*
  • Ligands
  • Methane / analogs & derivatives*
  • Methane / chemistry
  • Ruthenium / chemistry*

Substances

  • Cations
  • Heterocyclic Compounds
  • Ligands
  • carbene
  • Gold
  • Ruthenium
  • Methane