Synthesis, characterization and antiproliferative activity of three platinum(II) complexes of l-carnitine. The first structural determination of a platinum complex containing carnitine

l-Carnitine, a natural molecule provided of specific transporters through the blood–brain barrier (BBB), has been coordinated for the first time to Pt(II) giving [Pt(PPh3)2(l-carnitine-O,O′)]BF4 (1), cis-[Pt(PPh3)2(l-carnitine-O)2](BF4)2 (2) and cis-[Pt(PPh3)2(l-carnitine-O)Cl]BF4 (3). The X-ray crystal structure of complex 1 is the first reported for a Pt carnitine complex.The antiproliferative activity of 1, 2 and 3, in comparison with l-carnitine, cis-[PtCl2 (PPh3)2] and cisplatin, have been tested against three human tumoral cell lines.

Three Pt complexes of l-carnitine, a potential carrier for metal ions through the brain blood barrier, have been prepared and characterized and their antiproliferative activity has been tested against three human tumoral cell lines. The first X-ray crystal structure of a Pt complex where carnitine acts as a chelating ligand is reported.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide