Abstract
Two new hybrid half-sandwiched Ru(II) arene complexes of a general formula [eta(6)-(p-cymene)Ru(L)Cl] (4a,b) [where L = 1-(Benzazol-2-yl)-3-(thiophen-2-yl) propane-1,3-dione) were synthesized and characterized. Spectral and elemental analysis revealed that these complexes have tetrahedral piano stool-like geometry with a coordination environment composed of two O atoms of ligand, chloride ion, and electron cloud of p-cymene moiety. The CT-DNA-Ru(II) complexes interactions were evaluated based on absorption and emission titration experiments. The results have shown intercalative modes of interaction between DNA and complexes, with a preferable binding to complex 4b. Based on the in vitro cytotoxicity MIT assay, the complexes exhibit significant inhibitory activity against human breast and lung cancer cells (MCF-7, A549), with lower micromolar IC50 values in comparison to that of clinical drug (cisplatin). In contrast, neither complex shows activity against the normal cell lines (Hela), suggesting that the new hybrid thiophene-beta-diketo-benzazole organoruthenium(II) complexes may offer promising safe anticancer agents. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.