Green synthesis of mono- and di-selenium-N-heterocyclic carbene adducts: Characterizations, crystal structures and pro-apoptotic activities against human colorectal cancer

From mono- and bis-benzimidazolium salts, three new Se–NHC adducts were synthesized using water as a solvent. Single crystals analyses indicated that crystal structures of Se–NHC adducts are stabilized by face-to-face and edge-to-face π–π interactions in the absences of any potential hydrogen bonds donor and acceptor. Benzimidazolium salts and respective Se–NHC adducts were preliminarily screened against human colorectal cell line (HCT 116) where the benzyl substituted benzimidazolium salt and respective Se–NHC adduct showed the far best results among the test compounds. The selected compounds were further studied in detail for pro-apoptotic mechanism of action (Hoest 33342 stain and Rhodamine 123 tests). The tested compounds were found to induce apoptosis via mitochondria pathway.

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