One-dimensional chiral copper (II) complexes with novel nano-structures and superior antitumor activity

Three novel copper(II) compounds of formulas {[Cu(Phen)(Ala)]center dot NO3 center dot H2O}(n) (1), {[Cu(Phen)(Ala)]center dot NO3}(n) (2) and [Cu(Ala)(2)](n) (3) have been synthesized and determined by X-ray diffraction. 1 and 2 are shown in one dimensional long-chain chiral structures, and 3 is a two dimensional checkerboard-type structure. Both 1 and 2 displayed a higher anticancer activity than 3 against various cancer cells, even higher than the similar mononuclear complexes and clinical anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil. The noncancerous cell lines (CCC-HEL-1) have showed that complexes 1-3 have hardly any cytotoxicity. Transmission electron microscopy was studied to show the nano-structure and pi function of two complexes. The ligand 1,10-phenanthroline inserted into its enantiomer lead complex 1 stable, and the pi-pi interaction outside the chain made complex 2 active, which is easy to crack and pile up together. In addition, the energy gaps, UV-vis, luminescent and cyclic voltammetry were experimented to show the stable one dimensional long-chain chiral structure and the TE function of two complexes. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.