Silver(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complexes: Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxic properties

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. © 2020 Elsevier B.V.