Luminescent Ag(I) scorpionates based on tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine oxide: Synthesis and cytotoxic activity evaluation

First representatives of Ag(I) scorpionates bearing tris(2-pyridyl)phosphine oxide (Py3P=O), viz. [Ag (Py3P=O)(PPh3)]BE4 (1) and [Ag(Py3P=O)(PPh3)]CIO4 (2), have been synthesized and structurally characterized. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the silver atom of 1 is coordinated by Py3P=O and Ph3P ligands in N,N',N-tripodal and P-monodentate fashions, respectively. The both complexes exhibit significant cytotoxic activity (IC50 being from 11 to 14 mu M) screened in vitro against human larynx carcinoma (Hep-2) cell lines. The luminescent proprieties of the prepared scorpionates are also discussed. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.