Synthesis, crystal structures and cytotoxicities of some transition metal complexes with N-[2-{(pyridin-2-ylmethylidene)amino}ethyl]acetamide

The synthesis and spectroscopic (IR, 1H and 13C NMR) characterization of new complexes of Pt(II), Pd(II), Cu(II), and Hg(II) with the Schiff base ligand MeCONHCH2CH2NCHPy (L) (Py = pyridine) are reported, together with studies on the cytotoxicities of these complexes, L and [ReBr(CO)3(L)] against human leukemia (MOLT-4), breast cancer (MCF-7) and Chang Liver (non-cancerous) cells. The crystal structures of [Pt(L)Cl2] (2), [Cu(L)Cl2] (4) and [Hg(L)Cl2]2 (5) are also reported. Of the complexes studied, [Cu(L)Cl2] (4) was identified as the most cytotoxic active derivative against cells of neoplastic origin (MOLT-4, and MCF-7), while having low toxicity on cells of benign origin (Chang Liver).