Synthesis, cytostatic, and antitumor properties of new rh(i) thiazole complexes.

Six new organometallic derivatives of Rh(I), belonging to the general structure [Rh(CO)2(L)(Cl)], were synthesized and characterized by chemical analysis and IR determinations. The following ligands (L) were employed: 2-aminothiazole, thiazole, 2-amino-6-bromobenzothiazole, 5-chloro-2-methylthiobenzothiazole, 2-bromo-thiazole, and 2-isopropylthiazole. These new complexes were assayed in vitro with KB cells and in vivo with mice bearing established P388 and L1210 leukemias. Assays against S180 and Ehrlich ascitic tumors were also performed. Two complexes displayed antitumor activity against ascitic tumors.