Light-stable bis(norharmane)silver(I) compounds: Synthesis, characterization and antiproliferative effects in cancer cells

Four different-anion Ag(I) compounds with the ligand norharmane (9H-Pyrido[3,4-b]indole; Hnor) and having the general formula [Ag(Hnor)2](anion) (anion = ClO4−, NO3− and BF4−) [Ag(Hnor)2(MeCN)](PF6) are reported, and studied in detail regarding their coordination mode and in vitro antiproliferative effects. X-ray structural analysis revealed that the complex with the PF6− anion has a MeCN solvent molecule weakly coordinated to Ag(I), making the metal coordination T-shaped, while the other compounds present the classical linear Ag(I) coordination. The compounds showed certain cell growth inhibitory effects in two different cancer cell lines, with the perchlorate containing complex being the most toxic and in fact comparable to cisplatin. Notably, the compounds are stable in visible light; and the luminescence in the solid state was found to be extremely weak, whereas in MeOH solution all compounds show a moderate to weak emission band at 375 nm, when excited at 290 nm.

Graphical abstractNew Ag(I) compounds with the ligand norharmane having the general formula [Ag(Hnor)2](anion) (anion = ClO4−, NO3− and BF4−) [Ag(Hnor)2(MeCN)](PF6−) are presented with X-ray structures, luminescence and antiproliferic properties. The highest activity is shown by the perchlorate compound.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide