Metal-based compounds, as cisplatin and auranofin, are widely known and used for biological applications, e.g. anticancer and antiarthritis. Gold(III) complexes are a current focus of research due to their potential anticancer activity. Structurally, a wide spectrum of gold compounds is being investigated but their mechanism of action is not fully elucidated. In the design of new bioinorganic compounds, one strategy relies on the bioactivity presented by free ligands, aiming to achieve synergy. Dithiocarbamates have been investigated for their structural versatility and broad bioactivity. They are also capable of efficiently stabilize gold(III) centers and have been useful in the synthesis of drug candidates1,2.
In this work, a series of gold(III) complexes were synthesized, combining the stabilization provided by cyclometallated C^N bonds with gold and the biological properties of the dithiocarbamate moiety. Infrared spectra are consistent with successfully synthesis of compounds. Also, elemental analyses are in good agreement with the calculated vaues. 1H, 13C and 31P NMR spectra were acquired in DMSO-d6 and complexes proved to be stable in this solvent for at least 10 days. The series is being tested in vitro against a panel of human cancer cell lines by us. Bioactive compounds will have their mode of action investigated in assays against target biomolecules, for instance DNA, GSH and BSA.