Neutral and cationic osmium(II)-arene metallodendrimers: Synthesis, characterisation and anticancer activity

Two neutral and two cationic half-sandwich Os(II)-arene metallodendrimers, of general formula [DABPPI-{(g6-p-cym)Os((C7H5NO)-j2-N,O)Cl}n] and [DAB-PPI-{(g6-p-cym)Os((C6H5N2)-j2-N,N)Cl}n][PF6]n(where n = 4 (G1) or 8 (G2)) have been synthesised. In addition, two cationic half-sandwich Os(II)-arenemetallodendrimers, containing PTA (1,3,5-triaza-7-phosphatricyclo[3.3.1.1.] decane), of general formula[DAB-PPI-{(g6-p-cym)Os((C7H5NO)-j2-N,O)PTA}n][PF6]n are also reported. All complexes have been characterisedusing analytical (i.e. HR-ESI or EI mass spectrometry and elemental analysis) and spectroscopic(i.e. 1H, 13C{1H} NMR and infrared) methods. Model mononuclear analogues have been prepared and theirmolecular structures determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The cytotoxicity of the complexeswere evaluated against the A2780 and A2780cisR human ovarian carcinoma cell lines and somedisplay moderate activity.