Synthesis, structural characterization, modal membrane interaction and anti-tumor cell line studies of nitrophenyl ferrocenes

• A series of nitrophenyl ferrocens (A1 – A5) were synthesized.
• Micelle interface structures of these compounds were explored.
• Oxidation of ferrocene to ferrocenium occurs on crossing the negative interface.
• Compounds were screened for antitumor activity.
• Compounds were found to overcome resistance factor compared to cisplatin.

A series of nitrophenyl ferrocens (A1 – A5) were synthesized and fully characterized in solid state (using CHN analysis, FTIR and single crystal XRD) as well as in solution phase (1H & 13C NMR and UV–visible spectroscopy). Micelle interface interactions of these compounds were explored and found to have ability across a micelle membrane interface. Interestingly, these compounds exhibited π–electronic push pull systems and oxidation of ferrocene to ferrocenium on crossing the negative interface of the micelle membrane. Selective compounds were screened for antitumor activity against parental and drug resistant human ovarian tumor models i.e. A2780 and A2780cisR, A2780ZD0473R. Screened compounds were found to overcome resistance factor compared to cisplatin.

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