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

Three new ruthenium(II)-arene complexes, [Ru(η-p-cymene)(L)Cl] (C1) where L is N-((4 methoxyphenyl)carbamothioyl)benzamide; [Ru(η-p-cymene)(L)Cl] (C2) where L is 4-(3-benzoylthioureido)benzoic acid and [Ru(η-p-cymene)(L)Cl] (C3) where L is methyl 4-(3- benzoylthioureido)benzoate have been synthetized, characterized and evaluated for their antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Characterization was performed using H and C NMR, IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, electrical conductivity measurements and X-Ray diffraction 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, in herein described complex, upon coordination the four-membered ring was formed, instead of six-membered chelate common for this type of ligands. Cytotoxic activity was determined in human cervix adenocarcinoma (HeLa) cell line and IC values ranged from 29.68 to 52.36 μM and the complexes were more active than related ligands (except in case of C2 where it is found that IC value is close to IC value of related ligand). Complex [Ru(η-p-cymene)(L)Cl] (C1) expressed the highest cytotoxic activity with IC value of 29.7 μM. Complexes and 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 to over 1000 μg/ml for several bacterial species.