A novel polynuclear Cu(I)-sulfur cluster with 1,2-dithiolate-o-carborane ligands as a potential in vitro antitumour agent and its DNA binding properties

A novel polynuclear Cu(I)-sulfur cluster, 1 (C54H62B30Cu6N8S6), bearing 1,2-dithiolate-o-carborane and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands was synthesized. The complex displayed rapid, low micromolar in vitro cytotoxicity against a range of epithelial tumour cells and efficient CT-DNA binding.