The effect of substitution on the cytotoxicity of molybdenum(II) and tungsten(II) compounds

A series of allyl molybdenum [(η3-C3H5)Mo(CO)2L2Cl], [(η3-C3H4COOMe)Mo(CO)2L2Br], cyclopentadienyl molybdenum [(η5-C5H4R)Mo(CO)2L2][BF4] (R = H, 4-MeOC6H4CH2, 3,4,5-(MeO)3C6H2CH2), indenyl molybdenum [(η5-C9H6R)Mo(CO)2L2][BF4] (R = H, 4-MeOC6H4CH2) and cyclopentadienyl tungsten compounds [(η5-C5H5)W(CO)2L2][BF4], where L2 is N,N′-chelating ligand, were synthesized and characterized. The in vitro assay on human leukemia cells MOLT-4 has shown that the substitution in the π-ligand has lower effect of on cytotoxicity than exchange of the N,N′-chelating ligand. Nevertheless, even this modification can lead to considerable enhance of cytotoxicity as was evidenced on the series of the indenyl molybdenum(II) compounds.

Graphical abstractA series of allyl, cyclopentadienyl, indenyl molybdenum and cyclopentadienyl tungsten compounds were synthesized and characterized. The in vitro assay on human leukemia cells MOLT-4 has shown that the substitution in the π-ligand has lower effect of on cytotoxicity than exchange of the N,N′-chelating ligand.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A series of molybdenum and tungsten compounds were synthesized and characterized. ► Substitution in the cyclopentadienyl and indenyl ring. ► The in vitro assay on human leukemia cells MOLT-4. ► X-ray structures of 2,2′-bipyridine complexes.