Abstract
In this study, sulfonate functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand precursors were obtained from the compounds 1-alkylbenzimidazole, 1,3-propane sultone, and 1,4-butane sultone. These NHC ligand precursors were metallated with Ag2O on moderate conditions to give novel silver-NHC complexes. All new compounds were characterized by by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis techniques. The cytotoxic properties of the silver(I) complexes have been assessed in various human cancer lines, including cisplatin-sensitive and resistant cells. IC50 values of these four complexes were determined by the MTT based assay on three human cell lines brain (SHSY5Y) and liver (HEP3B). These silver N-heterocyclic carbene complexes have been highlighted metal-based cancer therapeutic agents with unique structures and functions. These strategies provide exciting opportunities for discovering new types of metallodrugs.
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•In this study, sulfonate functionalized N-heterocyclic carbene ligand precursors were obtained. These NHC ligand precursors were metallated with Ag2O on moderate conditions to give novel silver-NHC complexes.•All new compounds were characterized by by 1H-NMR, 13C-NMR, FT-IR and elemental analysis techniques.•The cytotoxic properties of the silver(I) complexes have been assessed in various human cancer lines.