Synthesis, structure and anticancer activity of copper(II) complexes of N-benzyl-2-(diethylamino)acetamide and2-(diethylamino)-N-phenylethylacetamide

摘要

The ligands N-benzyl-2-(diethylamino)acetamide, (HL~1) and 2-(diethylarrrino)-N-phenylethylacetamide (HL~2), have been used to synthesize copper(II) complexes, [Cu(HL~1)2](ClO4)2 (1) and [Cu(HL~2)2](ClO4)2 (2), respectively. Both complexes are well characterized by various spectral and physical methods. The crystal structure of complex (1) reveals that two bidentate ligands coordinate the Cu(II) ion via O_(amide) and N_(amine) atoms in the basal plane whereas one of the ClO_4~- ions occupies the apical position maintaining a square-pyramidal geometry. Screening results for anti-proliferative studies against the U87 and HeLa cancerous cells indicate promising activity. The complexes enhanced growth inhibition and cell death in a concentration and time dependent manner for both U87 and HeLa cell lines. Of the two compounds, complex (2) exhibits better activity against both HeLa and U87 cells. Further, both complexes are specifically potent against U87 after 72 h of treatment. Micronucleus and apoptosis frequencies are 3 - 4 times higher in treated cells when compared with untreated control. Despite potent in vitro activity, both complexes exhibit diminished cytotoxicity against the normal human HEK cells at all effective concentrations.