Half-sandwich rhodium(III) transfer hydrogenation catalysts: Reduction of NAD+ and pyruvate, and antiproliferative activity

We report for the first time half-sandwich Rh(III) complexes as catalytic anticancer agents capable of reducing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and pyruvate in the presence of a hydride source (formate). The complexes display low-moderate antiproliferative activity towards cancer cells. However, a significant increase in activity upon coadministration with formate can be achieved.144