Synthesis, characterization, antimicrobial and cytotoxic activity of novel half-sandwich Ru(II) arene complexes with benzoylthiourea derivatives

Abstract

Three new ruthenium(II)-arene complexes, [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(L1)Cl2] (C1) where L1 is N-((4 methoxyphenyl)carbamothioyl)benzamide; [Ru(η6-p-cymene)(L2)Cl2] (C2) where L2 is 4-(3-benzoylthioureido)benzoic acid and[Ru(η6-p-cymene)(L3)Cl2] (C3) where L3 is methyl 4-(3- benzoylthioureido)benzoate have been synthetized,characterized and evaluated for their antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Characterization was performedusing 1H and 13C NMR, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electrical conductivity measurements and X-Raydiffraction analysis. X-Ray diffraction analysis of C1 showed typical expected “piano-stool” geometry with ruthenium coordinated to ligand via nitrogen and sulfur atoms of benzoylthiourea derivatives. Interesting, inherein described complex, upon coordination the four-membered ring was formed, instead of six-memberedchelate common for this type of ligands. Cytotoxic activity was determined in human cervix adenocarcinoma(HeLa) cell line and IC50 values ranged from 29.68 to 52.36 μM and the complexes were more active than relatedligands (except in case of C2 where it is found that IC50 value is close to IC50 value of related ligand). Complex[Ru(η6-p-cymene)(L1)Cl2] (C1) expressed the highest cytotoxic activity with IC50 value of 29.7 μM. Complexesand ligands were tested against nine Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria and one yeast- Candida albicans.Clinical Candida spp. strains from microbiological laboratories were included in testing processes as well.Minimum inhibitory concentrations values ranged from 62.5 μg/ml for complexes against Candida albicans toover 1000 μg/ml for several bacterial species.