Synthesis and cytotoxicity of cis-dichloroplatinum (II) complexes of (1S,3S)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines

► Eighteen novel cisplatin-type platinum complexes were synthesized. ► The substitution effect was studied. ► The cytotoxicities of these compounds were screened. ► Some compounds exhibited better cytotoxic activity than cisplatin. ► The structure-activity relationship has been revealed.