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A series of novel bis(carboxylato)oxalatobis(1-propylamine)platinum(IV) complexes as well as an ethylamine analog were synthesized. The compounds are either symmetrical with both axial ligands consisting of monoesters of succinic acid, or unsymmetrical, with one axial ligand being acetate. The compounds were characterized in detail by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry and multinuclear (1H, 13C, 15N, 195Pt) NMR spectroscopy. The reduction behavior was followed by NMR spectroscopy, while lipophilicity was determined by analytical reversed-phase HPLC measurements. The capacity of inhibiting proliferation of the human cancer cell lines A549 (non-small cell lung cancer), CH1(PA-1) (ovarian teratocarcinoma) and SW480 (colon carcinoma) was evaluated by the MTT assay. In the most sensitive cell line CH1(PA-1), all compounds exhibited IC50 values in the lower µM range. In general, the IC50 values decreased with increasing lipophilicity within the two compound series. Nevertheless, replacing one of the succinic ester ligands with acetate has a rather marginal impact on antiproliferative activity and is hardly disadvantageous.

Tetracarboxylatoplatinum(IV) complexes are interesting representatives of potential anticancer active platinum(IV) drugs. Revealing higher kinetic inertness in comparison to their cytotoxic platinum(II) counterparts, they offer an opportunity to reduce toxic and deactivating side reactions. Platinum(IV) complexes are generally considered as prodrugs, which have to be reduced in order to exert their anticancer activity. Two model complexes, a platinum(II) and platinum(IV) complex featuring two equatorial 3,3,3-trifluoropropanoato (tfpa) and in the case of the latter two axial acetato ligands, were synthesized and characterized in detail by multinuclear (1H, 13C, 15N, 19F, 195Pt) one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, elemental analysis and X-ray diffraction analysis. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in three human cancer cell lines (A549, SW480 and CH1/PA-1) by the MTT colorimetric assay, exhibiting IC50 values down to the low micromolar range. The fluorinated ligands in equatorial positions allowed detailed and highly sensitive 19F NMR spectroscopic investigations. Besides reaction studies in the presence of small molecules, e.g. ascorbic acid and 5′-GMP, the reduction of the platinum(IV) complex was additionally investigated in two cancer cell extracts deriving from the cell lines SW480 and CH1/PA-1 in order to estimate the intracellular reduction behavior. A significant increase in the rate of reduction in cell extracts (depending on the chosen cell line) compared to the reduction with ascorbic acid could be demonstrated.

Oxaliplatin shows a superior clinical activity in colorectal cancer compared to cisplatin. Nevertheless, the knowledge about its cellular distribution and the mechanisms responsible for the different range of oxaliplatin-responsive tumors is far from complete. In this study, we combined highly sensitive element specific and isotope selective imaging by nanometer-scale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) with transmission electron microscopy to investigate the subcellular accumulation of oxaliplatin in three human colon cancer cell lines (SW480, HCT116 wt, HCT116 OxR). Oxaliplatin bearing dual stable isotope labeled moieties, i.e.2H-labeled diaminocyclohexane (DACH) and 13C-labeled oxalate, were applied for comparative analysis of the subcellular distribution patterns of the central metal and the ligands. In all the investigated cell lines, oxaliplatin was found to have a pronounced tendency for cytoplasmic aggregation in single membrane bound organelles, presumably related to various stages of the endocytic pathway. Moreover, nuclear structures, heterochromatin and in particular nucleoli, were affected by platinum-drug exposure. In order to explore the consequences of oxaliplatin resistance, subcellular drug distribution patterns were investigated in a pair of isogenic malignant cell lines with distinct levels of drug sensitivity (HCT116 wt and HCT116 OxR, the latter with acquired resistance to oxaliplatin). The subcellular platinum distribution was found to be similar in both cell lines, with only slightly higher accumulation in the sensitive HCT116 wt cells which is inconsistent with the resistance factor of more than 20-fold. Instead, the isotopic analysis revealed a disproportionally high accumulation of the oxalate ligand in the resistant cell line.

We report on the new monosubstituted aluminum Keggin-type germanotungstate (C4H12N)4[HAlGeW11O39(H2O)]·11H2O ([Al(H2O)GeW11]4–), which has been synthesized at room temperature via rearrangement of the dilacunary [γ-GeW10O36]8– polyoxometalate precursor. [Al(H2O)GeW11]4– has been characterized thoroughly both in the solid state by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and elemental analysis as well as in solution by cyclic voltammetry (CV) 183W, 27Al NMR and UV–vis spectroscopy. A study on the antibacterial properties of [Al(H2O)GeW11]4– and the known aluminum(III)-centered Keggin polyoxotungstates (Al-POTs) α-Na5[AlW12O40] (α-[AlW12O40]5–) and Na6[Al(AlOH2)W11O39] ([Al(AlOH2)W11O39]6–) revealed enhanced activity for all three Al-POTs against the Gram-negative bacterium Moraxella catarrhalis (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) up to 4 μg mL–1) and the Gram-positive Enterococcus faecalis (MIC up to 128 μg mL–1) compared to the inactive Al(NO3)3 salt (MIC > 256 μg mL–1). CV indicates the redox activity of the Al-POTs as a dominating factor for the observed antibacterial activity with increased tendency to reduction, resulting in increased antibacterial activity of the POT., We report on the synthesis and thorough characterization of the new monosubstituted aluminum germanotungstate (C4H12N)4[HAlGeW11O39(H2O)]·11H2O ([Al(H2O)GeW11]4−), which has been subjected to an antibacterial study including the previously reported α-Na5[AlW12O40] and Na6[Al(AlOH2)W11O39]. All three aluminum-substituted polyoxotungstates (Al-POTs) revealed enhanced activity against Moraxella catarrhalis and Enterococcus faecalis compared to the inactive Al(NO3)3 salt. On the basis of cyclic voltammetry studies, the redox activity of the POTs is suggested to have an impact on their overall antibacterial activity.

A series of four new (1R,2R)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamineplatinum(IV) complexes featuring axial Michael acceptor ligands on the basis of the thiol-affine maleimide moiety is presented. The complexes vary in their equatorial ligand sphere (bearing additionally one bidentate oxalate ligand or two monodentate acetate ligands) as well as in their axial Michael acceptor unit (pyrroledione, methylenedioxopyrrolidine, methyldioxodihydropyrrole). Hydrolysis, reaction behavior towards cysteine in water and phosphate buffered saline, and towards human serum albumin was monitored using HPLC, 1H NMR spectroscopy and size exclusion chromatography coupled to ICP-MS, respectively. Reaction with cysteine at pH = 7 was instant and complete within three minutes. In contrast, derivatization of the maleimide moiety resulted in decreased binding kinetics of the complex, especially within the first hour of incubation with human serum. In stability studies using analytical HPLC and 1H NMR spectroscopic measurements, we observed a concentration-dependent stability for the maleimide-containing complex 3 and the methyl derivatized compound 4. A significant increase in hydrolysis rate (up to 100 %) was found at 0.01 mm in comparison to a solution of 1 mm. In contrast, the exocyclic derivatization (5, 6) led to an overall stability in water. The antiproliferative behavior revealed IC50 values mainly in the low micromolar range for all complexes.

Synthesis and characterization of 15N-labeled and partially 13C-labeled oxaliplatin in a racemic mixture with its S,S enantiomer, (SP-4-2)-[(trans-1R,2R/1S,2S-15N2)-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine][(13C2)oxalato]platinum(II), is presented. 15N labeling of trans-cyclohexane-1,2-diamine (DACH) was conducted by reacting cyclohexane-1,2-dione with the 15N source (15N)hydroxylamine hydrochloride. After reduction, trans-(15N2)DACH was isolated as a tartrate salt and reacted with K2[PtCl4]. Subsequent reaction with (13C2)oxalate afforded the final 15N- and 13C-labeled oxaliplatin together with its S,S analog. Detailed characterization was performed by one- and two-dimensional 1H, 13C, 15N, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy; high-resolution mass spectrometry; and elemental analysis. The reaction behavior towards chloride ions, 5′-guanosine monophosphate, and l-methionine was studied by 1D 1H, 13C, and 195Pt NMR spectroscopy and 2D [1H,15N] and [1H,195Pt] NMR spectroscopy.

The synthesis and in vitro cytotoxicity of a series of Pt(IV) complexes with lonidamine as a ligand coordinated in axial position are described. The lonidamine was found to affect strongly the in vitro cytotoxic activity of these novel complexes, lowering the IC50 values down to the nanomolar range. Lipophilicity assessed in terms of log P showed no direct correlation with cytotoxicity.

An unsymmetrically carboxylated platinum(IV) analogue of oxaliplatin was coupled to low generation polyamidoamine dendrimers (PAMAM) with an amino-terminated surface (G-2; G-4). 1-D, 2-D diffusion NMR spectroscopy and high resolution HPLC-MS/MS were used to characterise the platinum complexes and drug-dendrimer conjugates. The average load of platinum(IV) complex per dendrimer was determined by ICP-MS, showing a maximum load of 38% (6 platinum units per dendrimer molecule) for the smaller G-2 generation and 34% (22 platinum units per dendrimer molecule) for G-4, respectively. As a result of this loading, the average diameter increased from 26 A to 34 A (30%, G-2) and from 46 A to 63 A (38%, G-4). The in vitro cytotoxicity of the free platinum(IV) complex, the complex loaded dendrimers and the free PAMAM analogues G-2 and G-4 was evaluated in the cisplatin sensitive ovarian cell line CH1/PA1 as well as in rather cisplatin insensitive colon (SW480) and lung (A549) carcinoma cells by the MTT assay. Whilst the free platinum(IV) compound displayed a rather moderate activity, the drug-dendrimer complexes showed a load and size dependent behaviour with IC50 values down to the low nanomolar range. In the cisplatin insensitive cell lines, the benefit of this platinum load primarily consists of added cytostatic rather than cytocidal effects, according to results from the annexin V/PI assay for apoptosis/necrosis induction.

Six dinuclear vanadium(V) complexes have been synthesized: NH4[(VO2)2((H)LH)] (NH4[1]), NH4[(VO2)2((t-Bu)LH)] (NH4[2]), NH4[(VO2)2((Cl)LH)] (NH4[3]), [(VO2)(VO)((H)LH)(CH3O)] (4), [(VO2)(VO)((t-Bu)LH)(C2H5O)] (5), and [(VO2)(VO)((Cl)LH)(CH3O)(CH3OH/H2O)] (6) (where (H)LH4 = 1,5-bis(2-hydroxybenzaldehyde)carbohydrazone, (t-Bu)LH4 = 1,5-bis(3,5-di-tert-butyl-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde)carbohydrazone, and (Cl)LH4 = 1,5-bis(3,5-dichloro-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde)carbohydrazone). The structures of NH4[1] and 4-6 have been determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. In all complexes, the triply deprotonated ligand accommodates two V ions, using two different binding sites ONN and ONO separated by a diazine unit -N-N-. In two pockets of NH4[1], two identical VO2(+) entities are present, whereas, in those of 4-6, two different VO2(+) and VO(3+) are bound. The highest oxidation state of V ions was corroborated by X-ray data, indicating the presence of alkoxido ligand bound to VO(3+) in 4-6, charge density measurements on 4, magnetic susceptibility, NMR spectroscopy, spectroelectrochemistry, and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. All four complexes characterized by XRD form dimeric associates in the solid state, which, however, do not remain intact in solution. Compounds NH4[1], NH4[2], and 4-6 were applied as alternative selective homogeneous catalysts for the industrially significant oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone. The peroxidative (with tert-butyl hydroperoxide, TBHP) oxidation of cyclohexane was performed under solvent-free and additive-free conditions and under low-power microwave (MW) irradiation. Cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone were the only products obtained (high selectivity), after 1.5 h of MW irradiation. Theoretical calculations suggest a key mechanistic role played by the carbohydrazone ligand, which can undergo reduction, instead of the metal itself, to form an active reduced form of the catalyst.

The current study aims to elucidate the possible reasons for the significantly different pharmacological behavior of platinum(IV) complexes with cisplatin-, carboplatin- or nedaplatin-like cores and how this difference can be related to their main physicochemical properties. Chlorido-containing complexes are reduced fast (within hours) by ascorbate and are able to unwind plasmid DNA in the presence of ascorbate, while their tri- and tetracarboxylato analogs are generally inert under the same conditions. Comparison of the lipophilicity, cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity of the investigated platinum compounds revealed the necessity to define new structure-property/activity relationships (SPRs and SARs). The higher activity and improved accumulation of platinum(IV) complexes bearing Cl(-) in equatorial position cannot only be attributed to passive diffusion facilitated by their lipophilicity. Therefore, further platinum accumulation experiments under conditions where active/facilitated transport mechanisms are suppressed were performed. Under hypothermic conditions (4°C), accumulation of dichloridoplatinum(IV) complexes is reduced down to 10% of the amount determined at 37°C. These findings suggest the involvement of active and/or facilitated transport in cellular uptake of platinum(IV) complexes with a cisplatin-like core. Studies with ATP depletion mediated by oligomycin and low glucose partially confirmed these observations, but their feasibility was severely limited in the adherent cell culture setting.

We have synthesised, characterised and examined the cytotoxicity of [(1,10-phenanthroline)(1R,2R,4R/1S,2S,4S-4-methyl-cyclohexanediamine)platinum(II)]2+ (PHEN-4-MeDACH) in the L1210 cell line. The cytotoxicity of PHEN-4-MeDACH in the murine leukaemia (L12010) cell line was 1.8 ± 0.00 μM, comparable with that of [(1,10-phenanthroline)(1R,2R-diaminocyclohexane)platinum(II)]2+ (1.5 ± 0.14 μM) but less cytotoxic than [(1,10-phenanthroline)(1S,2S-diaminocyclohexane)platinum(II)]2+ (0.10 ± 0.06 μM) and cisplatin (0.43 ± 0.06 μM).

Hypoxia in solid tumors remains a challenge for conventional cancer therapeutics. As a source for resistance, metastasis development and drug bioprocessing, it influences treatment results and disease outcome. Bioreductive platinum(iv) prodrugs might be advantageous over conventional metal-based therapeutics, as biotransformation in a reductive milieu, such as under hypoxia, is required for drug activation. This study deals with a two-step screening of experimental platinum(iv) prodrugs with different rates of reduction and lipophilicity with the aim of identifying the most appropriate compounds for further investigations. In the first step, the cytotoxicity of all compounds was compared in hypoxic multicellular spheroids and monolayer culture using a set of cancer cell lines with different sensitivities to platinum(ii) compounds. Secondly, two selected compounds were tested in hypoxic xenografts in SCID mouse models in comparison to satraplatin, and, additionally, (LA)-ICP-MS-based accumulation and distribution studies were performed for these compounds in hypoxic spheroids and xenografts. Our findings suggest that, while cellular uptake and cytotoxicity strongly correlate with lipophilicity, cytotoxicity under hypoxia compared to non-hypoxic conditions and antitumor activity of platinum(iv) prodrugs are dependent on their rate of reduction.

We present an automated on-line extraction/chromatographic separation tool, which was successfully combined for the first time with ICP-MS detection in the context of metallodrug research. The method is based on turbulent flow chromatography (TFC) enabling efficient on-line separation of proteins from low molecular weight compounds, which can be retained on the TFC column, eluted for separation in a second dimension and detected via ICP-MS. Ex vivo incubations of a Pt(IV) candidate drug i.e. dichlorobis(ethylamine)bis((4-(2-propyloxy))-4-oxobutanoato)platinum(IV) (KP1873) with human serum albumin and human plasma showed the potential of the novel approach for studying metallodrug–protein interaction and metallodrug quantification, both key issues in (pre)clinical studies. Efficient on-line protein separation and retention for the Pt(IV) candidate drug was found by sulfur and platinum detection, respectively. An excellent mass balance for the TFC separation was assessed with column recoveries for HSA and the studied Pt(IV) drug of 110 ± 12% and 101 ± 2% showing the completeness of protein removal. As postulated, the drug did not show interaction with human serum albumin. However, incubation in human plasma led to the decrease of Pt retained on the TFC, implying the formation of either a free polar metabolite or a metabolite with a high affinity to plasma proteins. On-line TFCxHPLC-ICP-MS of the drug retained via TFC allowed the separation of the free, intact drug and a minor impurity or degradation product.

A novel application of advanced elemental imaging offers cutting edge in vitro assays with more predictive power on the efficacy of anticancer drugs in preclinical development compared to two dimensional cell culture models. We propose LA-ICP-MS analysis of multicellular spheroids, which are increasingly being used as three dimensional (3D) models of tumors, for improving the in vitro evaluation of anticancer metallodrugs. The presented strategy is very well suited for screening drug-tumor penetration, a key issue for drug efficacy. A major advantage of tumor spheroid models is that they enable us to create a tissue-like structure and function. With respect to 2D culture on the one hand and in vivo models on the other, multicellular spheroids thus show intermediate complexity, still allowing high repeatability and adequate through-put for drug research. This strongly argues for the use of spheroids as bridging models in preclinical anticancer drug development. Probing the lateral platinum distribution within these tumor models allows visualizing the penetration depth and targeting of platinum-based complexes. In the present study, we show for the first time that spatially-resolved metal accumulation in tumor spheroids upon treatment with platinum compounds can be appropriately assessed. The optimized LA-ICP-MS setup allowed discerning the platinum localization in different regions of the tumor spheroids upon compound treatment at biologically relevant (low micromolar) concentrations. Predominant platinum accumulation was observed at the periphery as well as in the center of the spheroids. This corresponds to the proliferating outermost layers of cells and the necrotic core, respectively, indicating enhanced platinum sequestration in these regions.

A series of twelve novel diamminetetrakis(carboxylato)platinum(IV) and 18 novel bis(carboxylato)dichlorido(ethane-1,2-diamine)platinum(IV) complexes with mixed axial carboxylato ligands was synthesized and characterized by multinuclear (1) H-, (13) C-, (15) N-, and (195) Pt-NMR spectroscopy. Their cytotoxic potential was evaluated (by MTT assay) against three human cancer cell lines derived from ovarian teratocarcinoma (CH1/PA-1), lung (A549), and colon carcinoma (SW480). In the cisplatin-sensitive CH1/PA-1 cancer cell line, diamminetetrakis(carboxylato)platinum(IV) complexes showed IC50 values in the low micromolar range, whereas, for the most lipophilic compounds of the bis(carboxylato)dichlorido(ethane-1,2-diamine)platinum(IV) series, IC50 values in the nanomolar range were found.

We have recently demonstrated that riboflavin (Rf) functions as unconventional bioorthogonal photocatalyst for the activation of PtIV prodrugs. In this study, we show how the combination of light and Rf with two PtIV prodrugs is a feasible strategy for light-mediated pancreatic cancer cell death induction. In Capan-1 cells, which have high tolerance against photodynamic therapy, Rf-mediated activation of the cisplatin and carboplatin prodrugs cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH3)2(Cl)2(O2CCH2CH2CO2H)2] (1) and cis,cis,trans-[Pt(NH3)2(CBDCA)(O2CCH2CH2CO2H)2] (2, where CBDCA = cyclobutane dicarboxylate) resulted in pronounced reduction of the cell viability, including under hypoxia conditions. Such photoactivation mode occurs to a considerable extent intracellularly, as demonstrated for 1 by uptake and cell viability experiments. 195Pt NMR, DNA binding studies using circular dichroism, mass spectrometry and immunofluorescence microscopy were performed using the Rf-1 catalyst-substrate pair and indicated that cell death is associated with the efficient light-induced formation of cisplatin. Accordingly, Western blot analysis revealed signs of DNA damage and activation of cell death pathways through Rf-mediated photochemical activation. Phosphorylation of H2AX as indicator for DNA damage, was detected for Rf-1 in a strictly light-dependent fashion while in case of free cisplatin also in the dark. Photochemical induction of nuclear pH2AX foci by Rf-1 was confirmed in fluorescence microscopy again proving efficient light-induced cisplatin release from the prodrug system.

A series of seven diam(m)inebis(carboxylato)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) and eleven diam(m)inetris(carboxylato)hydroxidoplatinum(IV) complexes with am(m)ine ligands in the trans position was synthesized and characterized by multinuclear 1H, 13C, 15N, 195Pt NMR spectroscopy. IC50 values for all eighteen substances were determined by means of the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay for three human cancer cell lines. In cisplatin-sensitive CH1(PA-1) cancer cells, diam(m)inebis(carboxylato)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) complexes displayed 50 % inhibitory concentrations in the micromolar range, whereas for the most lipophilic compounds of the diam(m)inetris(carboxylato)hydroxidoplatinum(IV) series, promising IC50 values in the nanomolar range were found.

The concept of Pt(IV) prodrug design is one advanced strategy to increase the selectivity for cancer cells and to reduce systemic toxicity in comparison to established platinum-based chemotherapy. Pt(IV) complexes are thought to be activated by reduction via physiological reductants, such as ascorbic acid or glutathione. Nevertheless, only few investigations on the link between the reduction rate, which is influenced by the reductant, and the ligand sphere of the Pt(IV) metal centre have been performed so far. Herein, we investigated a set of Pt(IV) compounds with varying rates of reduction with respect to their cytotoxicity and drug accumulation in A2780 and A2780cis ovarian cancer cell lines, their influence on the cell cycle, efficiency of triggering apoptosis, and ability to interfere with plasmid DNA (pUC19). The effects caused by Pt(IV) compounds were compared without or with extracellularly added ascorbic acid and glutathione (or its precursor N-acetylcysteine) to gain understanding of the impact of increased levels of the reductant on the activity of such complexes. Our results demonstrate that reduction is required prior to plasmid interaction. Furthermore, the rate of reduction is crucial for the efficiency of this set of Pt(IV) compounds. The substances that are reduced least likely showed similar performances, whereas the fastest reducing substance was negatively affected by an increased extracellular level of reducing agents, with reduced cytotoxicity and lower efficiency in inducing apoptosis and G2/M arrest. These results confirm the connection between reduction and activity, and prove the strong impact of the reduction site on the activity of Pt(IV) complexes.

The selection of drug candidates for entering clinical development relies on in vivo testing in (solid) tumor animal models. However, the heterogeneity of tumor tissue (e.g. in terms of drug uptake or tissue composition) is rarely considered when testing novel drug candidates. Therefore, we used the murine colon cancer CT-26 tumor model to study the spatially-resolved drug distribution in tumor tissue upon repetitive treatment of animals over two weeks with three investigational platinum(IV)-based anticancer agents, oxaliplatin or satraplatin. A quantitative laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) imaging method revealed a heterogeneous platinum distribution, which correlated well with the histologic features of the tumor and surrounding tissue at the microscopic level. In most of the cases, higher amounts of intratumoral platinum were found in the surrounding tissue than in the malignant parts of the sample. This indicates that determination of average platinum amounts (e.g. by microwave-assisted digestion of the sample followed by analysis with ICP-MS) might overestimate the drug uptake in tumor tissue causing misleading conclusions. In addition, we studied the platinum distribution in the kidneys of treated animals to probe if accumulation in the cortex and medulla predict potential nephrotoxicity. A 10-fold increase of platinum in the cortex of the kidney over the medulla was observed for oxaliplatin and satraplatin. Although these findings are similar to those in the platinum distribution of the nephrotoxic anticancer drug cisplatin, treatment with the compounds of our study did not show signs of nephrotoxicity in clinical use or clinical trials (oxaliplatin, satraplatin) and did not result in the alteration of renal structures. Thus, predicting the side effects based on bioimaging data by LA-ICP-MS should be considered with caution. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first LA-ICP-MS study on spatially-resolved platinum accumulation in tissues after repetitive platinum-based anticancer drug treatment of mice bearing a preclinical tumor model.

Oxaliplatin is the backbone of chemotherapy for advanced colorectal cancer and undergoes clinical trials for treatment of other tumour entities. However, acquired resistance is a major hurdle. Confocal microscopy is a useful tool to get an insight into the mechanisms of resistance but it requires fluorescent compounds. This work describes the synthesis of the novel oxaliplatin derivative (CFDA-oxPt) featuring 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein diacetate and evaluation of its applicability for the investigation of oxaliplatin resistance using imaging techniques. CFDA-oxPt was somewhat less cytotoxic than oxaliplatin in sensitive colorectal cancer cells, with ECsub50/subvalues of 26 and 5.8 µM, respectively. Nevertheless, the potency of the novel complex was significantly decreased to the ECsub50/subof 711.2 µM in oxaliplatin-resistant cells, as was the case for oxaliplatin (ECsub50/sub = 81 µM). After incubation, both nuclear and cytosolic localisation was observed. Over time CFDA-oxPt concentrated near the cell membrane and in the vesicular structures, in contrast to the platinum-free label, which was rapidly excreted. These findings suggest that CFDA-oxPt can be used to study oxaliplatin resistance and open the route to new fluorophore-tethered oxaliplatin derivatives.

The impact of the equatorial coordination sphere on the reduction behavior (i.e. rate of reduction) of platinum(IV) complexes with axial carboxylato ligands was studied. Moreover, the influence of equatorial ligands on the stability, lipophilicity and cytotoxicity of platinum(IV) compounds was evaluated. For this purpose, a series of platinum(IV) complexes featuring axial carboxylato ligands (succinic acid monoesters) was synthesized; anionic carboxylato (OAc−, oxalate) and halido (Cl−, Br−, I−) ligands served as leaving groups and am(m)ine carrier ligands were provided by monodentately (isopropylamine, ammine + cyclohexaneamine) or bidentately (ethane-1,2-diamine) coordinating am(m)ines. All platinum(IV) products were fully characterized based on elemental analysis, high resolution mass spectrometry and multinuclear (1H, 13C, 15N, 195Pt) NMR spectroscopy as well as by X-ray diffraction in some cases. The rate of reduction in the presence of ascorbic acid was determined by NMR spectroscopy and the lipophilicity of the complexes was investigated by analytical reversed phase HPLC measurements. Cytotoxic properties were studied by means of a colorimetric microculture assay in three human cancer cell lines derived from cisplatin sensitive ovarian teratocarcinoma (CH1/PA-1) as well as cisplatin insensitive colon carcinoma (SW480) and non-small cell lung cancer (A549).

Binding to plasma proteins is one of the major metabolic pathways of metallodrugs. In the case of platinum-based anticancer drugs, it is the interaction with serum albumin that affects most strongly their in vivo behavior. Since both the configuration, i.e. cis-trans-isomerism, and the nature of leaving groups have an effect on the reactivity of Pt(II) coordination compounds toward biomolecules, a set of cis- and trans-configured complexes with halide leaving groups (Cl−, Br−, and I−) and 2-propanone oxime as carrier ligands was chosen for this study. Binding experiments were performed both with albumin and human serum and the Pt content in ultrafiltrates was quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In order to shed light on the binding mechanism, the albumin binding constant (KHSA) and the octanol–water partition coefficient (P) were experimentally determined and relationships between log KHSA and log P were explored. The correlation was found significant only for cis-configured platinum complexes (R2 = 0.997 and standard deviation = 0.02), indicating a certain contribution of the nonspecific binding which is largely dominated by the lipophilicity of compounds. In contrast, for trans-complexes a specific molecular recognition element plays a significant role. The participation of albumin in drug distribution in blood serum was assessed using an equilibrium distribution model and by comparing the percentage binding in the albumin and serum-protein fractions. Irrespective of the compound polarity, albumin contributes from 85 to 100% to the overall binding in serum.

Transient isotachophoresis (tITP) is a versatile sample preconcentration technique that uses ITP to focus electrically charged analytes at the initial stage of CE analysis. However, according to the ruling principle of tITP, uncharged analytes are beyond its capacity while being separated and detected by micellar electrokinetic chromatography (MEKC). On the other hand, when these are charged micelles that undergo the tITP focusing, one can anticipate the concentration effect, resulting from the formation of transient micellar stack at moving sample/background electrolyte (BGE) boundary, which increasingly accumulates the analytes. This work expands the enrichment potential of tITP for MEKC by demonstrating the quantitative analysis of uncharged metal-based drugs from highly saline samples and introducing to the BGE solution anionic surfactants and buffer (terminating) co-ions of different mobility and concentration to optimize performance. Metallodrugs of assorted lipophilicity were chosen so as to explore whether their varying affinity toward micelles plays the role. In addition to altering the sample and BGE composition, optimization of the detection capability was achieved due to fine-tuning operational variables such as sample volume, separation voltage and pressure, etc. The results of optimization trials shed light on the mechanism of micellar tITP and render effective determination of selected drugs in human urine, with practical limits of detection using conventional UV detector.

Ferrocenyl compounds show interesting antiproliferative properties. Consequently, ferrocene bearing moieties were prepared and coupled for the first time to anticancer platinum(IV) complexes. The compounds, featuring either one or two axially coordinated ferrocene-containing ligands, were fully characterized by ESI-MS and multinuclear (1H, 13C, 15N, and 195Pt) one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. Their cytotoxicity was investigated in three human cancer cell lines deriving from ovarian carcinoma (CH1), colon carcinoma (SW480), and non-small-cell lung carcinoma (A549) by means of the colorimetric MTT assay. Promising IC50 values in the low micromolar range in CH1 and SW480 human cancer cells were found.

The chemistry of cytotoxic platinum(II) complexes is more or less restricted to ligand exchange reactions, derivatization of coordi- nated ligands is cumbersome, and subsequent purification in many cases impossible. Consequently, kinetically more inert platinum(IV) complexes found their way into the development of novel, promising anticancer drugs. Research has focused more and more during the last years on the use of platinum(IV) complexes featuring one or two axial succinato ligands in which one carboxylic acid moiety is available for further derivatization. In order to gain a deeper insight into the mecha

We present the synthesis and cytotoxic potencies of new Pt(IV) complexes with bexarotene, an anticancer drug that induces cell differentiation and apoptosis via selective activation of retinoid X receptors. In these complexes bexarotene is positioned as an axial ligand. The complex of one bexarotene ligand attached to Pt(IV) oxaliplatin moiety was potent whereas its counterpart carrying two bexarotene ligands was inactive.

Eight novel mononuclear and two dinuclear platinum(IV) complexes were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and reversed-phase HPLC (log k(w)) and in one case by X-ray diffraction. Cytotoxicity of the compounds was studied in three human cancer cell lines (CH1, SW480, and A549) by means of the MTT assay, featuring IC(50) values to the low micromolar range. Furthermore a selected set of compounds was investigated in additional cancer cell lines (P31 and P31/cis, A2780 and A2780/cis, SW1573, 2R120, and 2R160) with regard to their resistance patterns, offering a distinctly different scheme compared to cisplatin. To gain further insights into the mode of action, drug uptake, DNA synthesis inhibition, cell cycle effects, and induction of apoptosis were determined for two characteristic substances.

Novel platinum complexes of trans geometry [PtCl(2){(Z)-R(H)C═NOH}(2)] [R = Me (1), Et (3)] and [PtCl(2){(E)-R(H)C═NOH}{(Z)-R(H)C═NOH}] [R = Me (2), Et (4)] as well as the classic trans-[PtCl(2)(R(2)C═NOH)(2)] [R = Me, Et] were reacted with an equivalent amount of silver acetate in acetone solution at ambient temperature, resulting in formation of unprecedented head-to-tail-oriented oximato-bridged dimers [PtCl{μ-(Z)-R(H)C═NO}{(Z)-R(H)C═NOH}](2) [R = Me (5), Et (7)], [PtCl{μ-(Z)-R(H)C═NO}{(E)-R(H)C═NOH}](2) [R = Me (6), Et (8)], and [PtCl(μ-R(2)C═NO)(R(2)C═NOH)](2) [R = Me (9), Et (10)], correspondingly. The dimeric species feature a unique six-membered diplatinacycle and represent the first example of oxime ligands coordinated to platinum via the oxygen atom. All complexes were characterized by elemental analyses, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, IR and multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (195)Pt) NMR spectroscopy, as well as X-ray diffraction in the cases of dimers 6 and 9. Furthermore, the crystal and molecular structures of a trimeric oximato-bridged complex 11 comprising three platinum units connected in a chain way were established. The cytotoxicity of both dimers and the respective monomers was comparatively evaluated in three human cancer cell lines: cisplatin-sensitive CH1 cells as well as cisplatin-resistant SW480 and A549 cells, whereupon structure-activity relationships were drawn. Thus, it was found that dimerization results in a substantial (up to 7-fold) improvement of IC(50) values of (aldoxime)Pt(II) compounds, whereas for the analogous complexes featuring ketoxime ligands the reverse trend was observed. Remarkably, the novel dimers yielded no cross-resistance with cisplatin in SW480 cells, exhibiting up to 2-fold enhanced cytotoxicity in comparison with the CH1 cell line and thereby possessing a promising potential to overcome resistance toward platinum anticancer drugs. The latter point was also confirmed by investigating the potency of apoptosis induction in the case of one monomer as well as one dimer; the investigated complexes proved to be strong apoptotic agents which could induce cell death even in the cisplatin-resistant SW480 cell line.

The purpose of this study was to systematically investigate the relationships between reactivity, cellular accumulation, and cytotoxicity of a panel of oxaliplatin analogues with different leaving groups in human carcinoma cells. The reactivity of the complexes towards the nucleotides 2'-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate and 2'-deoxyadenosine 5'-monophosphate was studied using capillary electrophoresis. Cellular accumulation and cytotoxicity were measured in an oxaliplatin-sensitive and oxaliplatin-resistant ileocecal colorectal adenocarcinoma cell line pair (HCT-8/HCT-8ox). Platinum concentrations were determined by flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to assess cytotoxicity. Early cellular platinum accumulation was predominantly affected by lipophilicity. A relationship between reactivity and cellular accumulation was observed for three of four platinum complexes investigated, whereas the most lipophilic oxaliplatin analogue was an exception. Increased reactivity and reduced lipophilicity were associated with high cytotoxic activity. Resistance was influenced by lipophilicity but not by reactivity. The observed relationships may help in the design of analogues with high antitumoral activity in oxaliplatin-sensitive as well as oxaliplatin-resistant cells.

A series of ruthenium(II) arene complexes with 3-(1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-1H-quinoxalin-2-one, bearing pharmacophoric groups of known protein kinase inhibitors, and related benzoxazole and benzothiazole derivatives have been synthesized. In addition, the corresponding osmium complexes of the unsubstituted ligands have also been prepared. The compounds have been characterized by NMR, UV-vis, and IR spectroscopy, ESI mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, and by X-ray crystallography. Antiproliferative activity in three human cancer cell lines (A549, CH1, SW480) was determined by MTT assays, yielding IC(50) values of 6-60 μM for three unsubstituted metal-free ligands, whereas values for the metal complexes vary in a broad range from 0.3 to 140 μM. Complexation with osmium of quinoxalinone derivatives with benzimidazole or benzothiazole results in a more consistent increase in cytotoxicity than complexation with ruthenium. For selected compounds, the capacity to induce apoptosis was confirmed by fluorescence microscopy and flow-cytometric analysis, whereas cell cycle effects are only moderate.

Forty years after the discovery of the anticancer effects of cisplatin, scientists are still pursuing the development of platinum complexes with improved properties regarding side effects and resistance, which are two main problems in cisplatin treatment. Among these compounds, trans-configured platinum complexes with oxime ligands emerged as a new class with features distinct from those of established anticancer agents, including different DNA binding behavior, increased cellular accumulation, and a different pattern of protein interaction. We report herein on the reactivity with biomolecules of three novel pairs of cis- and trans-configured acetone oxime platinum(II) complexes and one pair of 3-pentanone oxime platinum(II) complexes. Cellular accumulation experiments and in vitro DNA platination studies were performed and platinum contents were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The trans-configured complexes were accumulated in SW480 cells in up to 100 times higher amounts than cisplatin and up to 50 times higher amounts than their cis-configured counterparts; r (b) values (number of platinum atoms per nucleotide) were more than tenfold increased in cells treated with trans complexes compared with cells treated with cisplatin. The interaction of the complexes with DNA was studied in cell-free experiments with plasmid DNA (pUC19), in capillary zone electrophoresis with the DNA model 2-deoxyguanosine 5'-monophosphate, and in in vitro experiments showing the degree of DNA damage in the comet assay. Whereas incubation with cis compounds did not induce degradation of DNA, the trans complexes led to pronounced strand cleavage.

A series of six novel bis(carboxylato)dichloridobis(ethylamine)platinum(IV) complexes was synthesized and characterized in detail by elemental analysis, FT-IR, ESI-MS, HPLC, multinuclear (1H, 13C, 15N, 195Pt) NMR spectroscopy and in one case by X-ray diffraction. Cytotoxic properties of the complexes were evaluated in four human tumor cell lines originating from ovarian carcinoma (CH1 and SK-OV-3), colon carcinoma (SW480) and non-small cell lung cancer (A549) by means of the MTT colorimetrical assay. In addition, their octanol/water partition coefficients (log P values) were determined. Remarkably the most active (and also most lipophilic) compounds, having 4-propyloxy-4-oxobutanoato and 4-(2-propyloxy)-4-oxobutanoato axial ligands, showed IC50 values down to the low nanomolar range., Graphical abstract A series of six novel platinum(IV) complexes was synthesized and characterized. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in four human tumor cell lines yielding IC50 values down to the low nanomolar range. Highlights ► Six novel platinum(IV) complexes have been synthesized. ► Some complexes have higher cytotoxicity than cisplatin in four human tumor cell lines. ► Cytotoxicity is dependent on the lipophilicity.

Ascorbic acid has been previously discussed to have antitumor potential through its interaction with transition metal ions such as iron and copper. Furthermore, ascorbic acid may act as a reducing agent for Ru(III) compounds such as indazolium trans-[tetrachlorobis(1H-indazole)ruthenate(III)] (KP1019), an investigational anticancer drug which is supposed to be activated by reduction, prior to binding to cellular target proteins. Therefore, we investigated the influence of ascorbic acid on the activity of this antitumor metal complex in cell culture studies. We show that co-incubation of equicytotoxic, constant amounts of KP1019 with high concentrations of ascorbic acid (50-700 μM) increases cytotoxicity of the ruthenium anticancer drug in the human colon carcinoma cell line SW480, human cervical carcinoma KB-3-1 cells, and the multidrug-resistant subline KBC-1, whereas addition of low concentrations (2.7-50 μM) has a strong chemoprotective effect in the human colon carcinoma cell line SW480, but not in multidrug-resistant KBC-1 cells. Although cellular uptake of KP1019 is not altered, ascorbic acid induce stronger interaction of the ruthenium compound with DNA both in SW480 cells and under cell-free conditions with plasmid DNA. Even if DNA interactions probably play a subordinate role in vivo given the extensive protein binding of the compound, our data exemplify that ascorbic acid enhances the reactivity of KP1019 with biomolecules. Moreover, we demonstrate that the levels of KP1019-generated reactive oxygen species are markedly decreased by co-incubation with ascorbic acid. Conclusively, our results indicate that application of high doses of ascorbic acid might increase the anticancer effects of KP1019.

The synthesis of new modified indolo[3,2-c]quinoline ligands L(1)-L(8) with metal-binding sites is reported. By coordination to ruthenium- and osmium-arene moieties 16 complexes of the type [(η(6)-p-cymene)M(L)Cl]Cl (1a,b-8a,b), where M is Ru(II) or Os(II) and L is L(1)-L(8), have been prepared. All compounds were comprehensively characterized by elemental analysis, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, IR, UV-vis, and NMR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction (2a, 4a, 4b, 5a, 7a, and 7b). The complexes were tested for antiproliferative activity in vitro in three human cancer cell lines, namely, CH1 (ovarian carcinoma), SW480 (colon adenocarcinoma), and A549 (non-small-cell lung cancer), yielding IC(50) values in the submicromolar or low micromolar range.

The magnetic behavior of a binary salt of tricaprylylmethylammonium tetrachloroferrate and tricaprylylmethylammonium chloride, [A336][FeCl 4 ] 0.73 [Cl] 0.27 , was evaluated. With a magnetic susceptibility of 0.011 emu mol − 1 this binary salt exhibited a remarkable response to an external magnetic field. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurements allowed to study the aggregation behavior of [A336][FeCl 4 ] 0.73 [Cl] 0.27 as well as of further magnetic ionic liquids [PR 6,6,6,14 ][FeCl 4 ] and (BMIM)[FeCl 4 ] in ethylacetate and ethanol.

Novel cis- and trans-configured bis(oxime)platinum(II) complexes have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, multinuclear ((1)H, (13)C, and (195)Pt) NMR spectroscopy, and, in five cases, by X-ray diffraction. Their cytotoxicity was studied in the cisplatin-sensitive CH1 cell line as well as in inherently cisplatin-resistant SW480 cancer cells. Remarkably, every single dihalidobis(oxime)platinum(II) complex (with either a cis or trans configuration) shows a comparable cytotoxic potency in both cell lines, indicating a capacity of overcoming cisplatin resistance. Particularly strong cytotoxicities were observed in the case of trans-[PtCl(2)(R(2)C=NOH)(2)] (R = Me, n-Pr, i-Pr) with IC(50) values in the high nanomolar concentration range in both CH1 and SW480 cancer cells. These complexes are as potent as cisplatin in CH1 cells and up to 20 times more potent than cisplatin in SW480 cells. In comparison to transplatin, the novel compounds are up to 90 (CH1) and 120 times (SW480) more cytotoxic. The previously reported observation that the trans geometry yields a more active complex in the case of [PtCl(2)(Me(2)C=NOH)(2)] could be confirmed for at least two structural analogues.

The first metal complexes of 3-aminopyridine-2-carboxaldehyde thiosemicarbazone (Triapine) were synthesized. Triapine was prepared by a novel three-step procedure in 64% overall yield. In addition, a series of related ligands, namely, 2-formylpyridine thiosemicarbazone, 2-acetylpyridine thiosemicarbazone, 2-pyridineformamide thiosemicarbazone, and their N(4)-dimethylated derivatives (including the N(4)-dimethylated analogue of Triapine) were prepared, along with their corresponding gallium(III) and iron(III) complexes with the general formula [M(L)(2)](+), where HL is the respective thiosemicarbazone. The compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H and (13)C NMR, IR and UV-vis spectroscopies, mass spectrometry, and cyclic voltammetry. In addition, Triapine and its iron(III) and gallium(III) complexes were studied by X-ray crystallography. All ligands and complexes were tested for their in vitro antiproliferative activity in two human cancer cell lines (41M and SK-BR-3), and structure-activity relationships were established. In general, the coordination to gallium(III) increased the cytotoxicity while the iron(III) complexes show reduced cytotoxic activity compared to the metal-free thiosemicarbazones. Selected compounds were investigated for the capacity of inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase by incorporation of (3)H-cytidine into DNA.

Several hydrophobic ionic liquids (ILs) based on long-chain aliphatic ammonium- and phosphonium cations and selected aromatic anions were analyzed by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) employing trifluoroacetic acid as ion-pairing additive to the acetonitrile-containing mobile phase and adopting a step-gradient elution mode. The coupling of charged aerosol detection (CAD) for the non-chromophoric aliphatic cations with diode array detection (DAD) for the aromatic anions allowed their simultaneous analysis in a set of new ILs derived from either tricaprylmethylammonium chloride (Aliquat 336) and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium chloride as precursors. Aliquat 336 is a mix of ammonium cations with distinct aliphatic chain lengths. In the course of the studies it turned out that CAD generates an identical detection response for all the distinct aliphatic cations. Due to lack of single component standards of the individual Aliquat 336 cation species, a unified calibration function was established for the quantitative analysis of the quaternary ammonium cations of the ILs. The developed method was validated according to ICH guidelines, which confirmed the validity of the unified calibration. The application of the method revealed molar ratios of cation to anion close to 1 indicating a quantitative exchange of the chloride ions of the precursors by the various aromatic anions in the course of the synthesis of new ILs. Anomalies of CAD observed for the detection of some aromatic anions (thiosalicylate and benzoate) are discussed.

Two platinum(IV) complexes (OC-6-33)-dichlorido(ethane-1,2-diamine)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) and (OC-6-33)-diammine(dichlorido)dihydroxidoplatinum(IV) were carboxylated using demethylcantharidin as carboxylation agent. The complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, mass spectrometry, multinuclear (1H, 13C, 15N, and 195Pt) NMR spectroscopy, and, in case of (OC-6-33)-diamminebis(3-carboxy-7exo-oxabicyclo[2.2.1]heptane-2-carboxylato)dichloridoplatinum(IV) via X-ray diffraction. Cytotoxicity of the complexes was studied in seven human cancer cell lines representing five tumor entities, i.e., ovarian carcinoma (CH1, SK-OV-3), cervical carcinoma (HeLa), colon carcinoma (SW480, HCT-116), osteosarcoma (U-2 OS), and hepatocellular carcinoma (Hep G2) by means of the MTT (=3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium hydrobromide) assay.

9-Bromo-7,12-dihydroindolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepin-6-ylhydrazine was reacted with 2-acetylpyridine to give a Schiff base as a potential tridentate ligand. The reaction of this ligand with gallium chloride afforded complexes of 1:1 and 2:1 stoichiometry. The results of X-ray diffraction studies of the ligand and both gallium complexes are reported and compared with the data for a related gallium complex with a Schiff base obtained from 9-bromo-7,12-dihydroindolo[3,2-d][1]benzazepin-6-ylhydrazine and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde.

The metal-mediated coupling between the nitriles RCN in the platinum(IV) complexes trans-[PtCl4(RCN)2] (R Me, Et, CH2Ph, Ph), cis/trans-[PtCl4(MeCN)(Me2SO)] and the newly synthesized bifunctional oximehydroxamic acid, viz. N,2-dihydroxy-5-(1-hydroxyiminoethyl)benzamide, proceeds smoothly in CH2Cl2 at 40–45 °C to accomplish the new metallaligands HN C(R)ONHC( O)C6H3(2-OH)(5-C(Me) NOH) with pendant oxime functionalities due to the regioselective addition of the reagent via its hydroxamic groups. The obtained iminoligands exist in hydroxamic/hydroximic tautomeric equilibrium in solution. The structures of the isolated compounds are based on elemental analyses (C, H, N), IR, 1D 1H, 13C{1H}, and 2D NMR correlation experiments, i.e. 1H,13C-COSY, 1H,13C long range COSY, 1H,15N-COSY, and 1H,15N long range COSY.

New hydrophobic ionic liquids were synthesized from tricaprylmethylammonium chloride (Aliquat 336©) and selected Bronsted acids by a sustainable, simple and cost-saving deprotonation-metathesis route. Prepared ionic liquids were evaluated as potential extracting agents for cadmium from different aqueous solutions. High efficiency and selectivity were reached for the extraction of cadmium from a natural river matrix with tricaprylmethylammonium thiosalicylate, [A336][TS], a thiol-containing task specific ionic liquid.

Refluxing a mixture of phthalonitrile C 6 R 1 R 2 R 3 R 4 (CN) 2 1 (R 1 -R 4 =H), or its substituted derivatives 2 (R 1 , R 3 , R 4 =H, R 2 =Me), or 3 (R 1 , R 4 =H, R 2 , R 3 =Cl) (1 equiv.) and N,N-diethylhydroxylamine, Et 2 NOH, (4 equivs.) in methanol for 4 h results (Route A) in precipitation of the symmetrical (6 and 8) and an isomeric mixture of unsymmetrical (7) phthalocyanines, isolated in good (55-65 %) yields. The reaction of phthalonitriles 1, 2, or 4 (R 1 , R 3 , R 4 =H, R 2 =NO 2 ) (4 equivs.) with Et 2 NOH (8 equivs.) in the presence of a metal salt MCl 2 (M= Zn, Cd, Co, Ni) (1 equiv.) in n-BuOH or without solvent results in the formation of metallated phthalocyanine species (9-17). Upon refluxing in freshly distilled dry chloroform, phthalonitrile 1 or its substituted analogues 2, 3 or 5 (R 1 -R 4 =F) (1 equiv.) react with N,N-diethylhydroxylamine (2 equivs.) affording 3-iminoisoindolin-1-ones 18-21 (Route B) isolated in good yields (55-80%). All the prepared compounds were characterized with C, H, and N elemental analyses, ESI-MS, IR, and compounds 18-21 also by ID ( 1 H, 13 C{1H}), and 2D ( 1 H, 15 N-HMBC and 1 H, 13 C-HMQC, 1 H, 13 C-HMBC) NMR spectroscopy.

Triggered by the resounding success of cisplatin, the past decades have seen tremendous efforts to produce clinically beneficial analogues. The recent achievement of oxaliplatin for the treatment of colon cancer should, however, not belie the imbalance between a plethora of investigated complexes and a very small number of clinically approved platinum drugs. Strategies opening up new avenues are increasingly being sought using complexes of metals other than platinum such as ruthenium or gallium. Based on the chemical differences between these metals, the spectrum of molecular mechanisms of action and potential indications can be broadened substantially. Other approaches focus on complexes with tumour-targeting properties, thereby maximizing the impact on cancer cells and minimizing the problem of adverse side effects, and complexes with biologically active ligands.

Three different pathways for the synthesis of substituted trans-(±)-1,2-cyclohexanediamines as new ligands for oxaliplatin-type compounds are presented. The different synthetic routes lead (i) by the synthesis of the compound via ortho-bromination of a substituted cyclohexanone followed by reaction with hydroxylamine and reduction by hydrogen, (ii) by addition of azide to cyclohexene mediated by manganese(III) acetate and reduction by hydrogen, or (iii) by trans-dihydroxylation of cyclohexene, and subsequent conversion into the respective mesylate or tosylate, followed by substitution by azide, and reduction in the case of 4-methyl-trans-(±)-1,2-cyclohexanediamine to a preferentially equatorially, mainly axially, or exclusively equatorially or axially oriented 4-methyl group, respectively.