Novel lysosome-targeted cyclometalated Iridium(III) anticancer complexes containing imine-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands: Synthesis, spectroscopic properties and biological activity

A family of luminescence cyclometalated iridium(III) anticancer complexes bearing versatile imine-N-heterocyclic carbene ligands were synthesized and characterized. Exploration of subcellular localization, lysosomal damage and the mechanism of uptake of the complexes have been investigated using confocal microscopy.325