Imino-quinolyl palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes: Synthesis, characterization, molecular structures and cytotoxic effect

Imino-quinolyl ligands L1–L5 were synthesized by condensation reactions and obtained in good yields. Reactions of the ligands with either PdCl2(cod) or K2[PtCl4] gave the corresponding palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes 1–10 also in good yields. All the compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. X-ray crystallography was used to confirm the structures of these compounds. Molecular structures of 3 and 5 showed that the ligands coordinate to the metal center through the two nitrogen atoms, generating a distorted square planar geometry around the palladium atom. The new complexes exhibited remarkable cytotoxic activities against MCF-7 and HT-29 cancer cell lines.

Graphical abstractNew imino-quinolyl palladium(II) and platinum(II) complexes 1–10 are reported. Their molecular structures were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. The coordination geometry around the palladium atoms in 3 and 5 exhibited distorted square planar geometry. These complexes exhibited growth inhibitory activities against human breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines better than cisplatin.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Imino-quinolyl Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes were synthesized and fully characterized. ► Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of complexes 3 and 5 was done. ► Crystal structures showed distorted square planar coordination geometry about Pd. ► Complexes were tested on human breast (MCF-7) and colon (HT-29) cancer cell lines. ► The complexes exhibited growth inhibitory activities better than cisplatin.