Ruthenium(II) arene complexes with oligocationic triarylphosphine ligands: Synthesis, DNA interactions and in vitro properties

The synthesis, DNA binding properties and cytotoxicity of a series of Ru(II)-arene complexes containing oligocationic ammonium-functionalized triarylphosphines, of the type Ru(p-cymene)Cl2(L) (L = oligocationic phosphine), are reported. The complexes are highly charged (the overall charge states being +3 and +6) and circular dichroism spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis studies indicate that the compounds interact strongly with DNA via electrostatic interactions. Despite forming strong interactions with DNA, the complexes exhibit only modest cytotoxicities on the human ovarian cancer cell lines A2780 and A2780cisR.

Graphical abstractRu(II) arene complexes bearing oligocationic, ammonium-functionalized triarylphosphines interact strongly with DNA via electrostatic interactions, as evidenced by CD spectroscopy and gel electrophoresis.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► Oligocationic phosphine ligands interact strongly with DNA through electrostatic interactions. ► Oligocationic phosphine ligands can be used to link Ru(II) ions to DNA. ► Ru(II)-oligocationic phosphine complexes display modest anticancer properties.