Synthesis and Characterization of Novel Rhenium(I) Complexes as Potential Photoactivated Anticancer Agents

Abstract

In recent studies, rhenium(I) complexes have shown promise to be effective anticancer agents. In particular, rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes have demonstrated ability as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photoactivated chemotherapy (PACT) photosensitizers when coordinated with diimine and phosphine ligands. The phosphine ligand works to labilize the trans-carbonyl of the complex, allowing for release of carbon monoxide which permits another pathway for additional cytotoxicity. The specific compounds in question are Re(CO)3(N-N)(PR3) complexes, where N-N is a substituted phenanthroline and PR3 is a water-soluble phosphine. The synthesis and characterization (IR, UV-Vis, and multinuclear NMR) of these complexes will be described.