A symmetrical dirhenium(I) complex with 4,4''-azobis(2,2'-bipyridine) as a bridging ligand: Synthesis, physicochemical properties and applications in detection of biologically relevant thiols and in chemotherapy for bone cancer

ABATE, PEDRO O.; SOTTILE, MARCO; LEÓN, IGNACIO E.; VERGARA, MÓNICA M.; KATZ, NÉSTOR E.

JOURNAL OF THE BRAZILIAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY

SOC BRASILEIRA QUIMICA

Año: 2020 vol. 31 p. 2299 - 2306

0103-5053

A new dinuclear complex of formula [{Re(CO)3(py)}2(μ-4,4?-azobpy)](PF6)2, with py = pyridine and 4,4?-azobpy = 4,4?-azobis(2,2´-bipyridine), has been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The symmetrical nature of the dimetallic cation has been confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. When adding L-cysteine or L-glutathione, large and rapid changes in its UV-Vis absorption spectra were observed, which can be used for detecting both biologically relevant thiols. A promising activity for using this complex as a chemotherapeutic agent for bone cancer was also disclosed. Quantum mechanical calculations supported the experimental data.