Synthesis, structure and cytotoxic activity evaluation of a dinuclear complex of Cd(II) with N′,N′2-bis[(1E)-1-(2-pyridyl)ethylidene]propanedihydrazide

A new dinuclear complex of Cd(II) with N′,N′2-bis[(1E)-1-(2-pyridyl)ethylidene]propanedihydrazide (H2L) was synthesized and its crystal structure determined. In the complex dinuclear cation [Cd2(H2O)2(H2L)2]4+, each cadmium atom is heptacoordinated by two tridentate H2L ligands and one water molecule. The complex showed a pronounced cytotoxic activity to murine melanoma B16 cells and human cervical cancer HeLa cells.