Synthesis and anticancer properties of gold(I) and silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes

Bis(1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene)silver(I) nitrate and bis(4,5-dichloro-1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene)silver(I) nitrate were prepared by reacting the corresponding imidazolium nitrate salts with silver oxide. Bis(1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene)gold(I) nitrate and bis(4,5-dichloro-1,3-dimethylimidazol-2-ylidene)gold(I) nitrate salts were prepared via transmetallation of their silver precursors with chloro dimethylsulfide gold. The anticancer properties were determined using NCI-H460 lung cancer cells. Efficacy was established by comparison of the gold and silver compounds with cisplatin.

Graphical abstractTwo silver(I)-N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes were prepared by reacting corresponding imidazolium nitrate salts with silver oxide. Two gold(I)-NHC compounds were prepared via transmetallation of their silver precursors with chloro dimethylsulfide gold. Anticancer properties were determined using NCI-H460 lung cancer cells. Efficacy was established by comparison of the compounds with cisplatin.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Synthesis of two silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes. ► Synthesis of two gold(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes. ► Anticancer activity of test compounds against H460 lung cancer cells. ► Efficacy not superior to cisplatin.