Functionalized ferratricarbadecaboranyl complexes for potential anticancer applications

Two different synthetic strategies were employed to generate a library of functionalized cyclopenta dienyl ferratricarbadecaboranes containing potential anticancer and/or solubilizing groups, including 1-(η5-C5H5)-2-R-closo-1,2,3,4-FeC3B7H9 complexes where R = pyridine, indole, imidazole, pyrazol, benzimidazoles, fluorophenyl or alkylammonium and 1-(η5-C5H4–CH2-(p-OCH3–C6H4))-2R-closo-1,2,3,4-FeC3B7H9 complexes, where R = Ph or imidazole. The results of a National Cancer Institute 60 cell line screen for anticancer activity showed that while all complexes appeared to inhibit cell growth, the imidazole substituted 1-(η5-C5H5)-2-C4H5N2-closo-1,2,3,4-FeC3B7H9 complex also exhibited significant cytotoxic activities against select cell lines.

Graphical abstractA library of functionalized cyclopentadienyl ferratricarbadecaboranyl complexes with potential anticancer activity was synthesized by the attachment of N-heterocyclic and/or solubilizing groups at the tricarbadecaboranyl or cyclopentadienyl ligands. A National Cancer Institute 60 cell line screen for anticancer activity identified the most active substitution patterns for the series.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Library of fluoro and N-heterocyclic ferratricarbadecaboranyl complexes. ► First water soluble and Cp substituted ferratricarbadecaboranes. ► In vitro growth inhibition studies.