Dimethyltin(IV) and palladium(II) complexes derived from 2-benzoylpyridine N(4)-cyclohexylthiosemicarbazone: Synthesis, crystal structures and biological evaluation

Two metal complexes [(Me)2Sn(L)(OAc)] (1), and [Pd(L)Cl] (2) based on 2-benzoylpyridine N(4)-cyclohexylthiosemicarbazone have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Growth inhibition assays have indicated that two compounds can effectively inhibit the growth of HepG2 cancer cell lines at micromolar concentrations. In addition, apoptosis mechanisms of 2 on HepG2 cells were further investigated. The results show that 2 can promote the apoptosis of HepG2 cells and the apoptosis is associated with the activation of caspase-3.234