Synthesis, structural characterization and in vitro anti-cancer activity of functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene platinum and palladium complexes

•Synthesis of Pt and Pd N-heterocyclic complexes.•Analytical, spectral and X-ray characterization.•Antitumor activity in vitro against 4 tumor cell lines and 2 non-cancer cell lines.

A series of platinum(II) and palladium(II) complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene ligands functionalized by specific functionalities such as alcohol, nitrile or ester were synthesized. The novel complexes were fully characterized and X-ray diffraction was used for the structure determination of eight derivatives. The reactivity of the functional groups has been studied; for example, Pt and Pd NHC complexes containing tBu ester functions were easily hydrolyzed giving water-soluble NHC complexes. The palladium complex 21 containing dangling COOH group was evaluated in copper-free Sonogashira coupling reaction. In addition, platinum NHC complexes are attractive metal-based systems for the development of anticancer drugs. Preliminary results of the biological effects on various human cancer and non-cancer cells are also reported.

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