Synthesis, X-ray Structure, Antimicrobial and Anticancer Activity of a Novel [Ag(ethyl-3-quinolate)2(citrate)] Complex

A novel Ag(I) citrate complex with ethyl-3-quinolate (Et3qu) was synthesized. Its structure was confirmed using X-ray single crystal to be [Ag(Et3qu)2(citrate)]. It crystallized in the Triclinic crystal system and P-1 space group with unit cell parameters of a = 8.6475(2) Å, b = 11.4426(3) Å, c = 15.2256(3) Å, α = 73.636(2)°, β = 79.692(2)° and γ = 86.832(2)°, while the unit cell volume was 1422.19(6) Å3. In the unit cell, there are two [Ag(Et3qu)2(citrate)] molecules and one unit as the asymmetric formula. The molecular structure comprised one Ag(I) coordinated with two Et3qu molecules via two almost equidistant Ag-N bonds and one citrate ion acting as a mono-negative monodentate ligand via a short Ag-O bond (2.5401(14) Å). Hence, Ag(I) is tri-coordinated and has a highly distorted triangular planar coordination geometry which is more like to be described as a slightly distorted T-shape. The supramolecular structure of the [Ag(Et3qu)2(citrate)] complex was analyzed using Hirshfeld calculations. The H···H (39.3–40.1%), O···H (33.2-34.0%), C···C (9.1–9.5%) and C···H (7.2–7.4%) contacts shared significantly in the packing of the studied Ag(I) complex. The antimicrobial and anticancer activities of the Ag(I) complex were investigated. The [Ag(Et3qu)2(citrate)] complex has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity specifically against the fungus A. fumigatus. In addition, the IC50 values of 1.87 ± 0.09 µg/mL and 0.95 ± 0.06 µg/mL against the breast MCF-7 and lung A-549 cell lines, respectively, revealed the potent anticancer activity of the [Ag(Et3qu)2(citrate)] complex compared to the free Et3qu (IC50 = 30.64 ± 1.98 and 22.89 ± 1.48 µg/mL, respectively).