Transition-Metal Complexes Based on a Sulfonate-Containing N-Donor Ligand and Their Use as HIV Antiviral Agents

Herein, we describe the synthesis and characterization of a sulfonate-containing N-donor ligand in its sodium salt and acid forms, Na-2[(DES)MeN(CH2)(2)NMe(DES)]center dot 2H(2)O (1) and [(DES)MeN+H(CH2)(2)N+HMe(DES)]center dot H2O (2), and its corresponding metal complexes, [{(DES)MeN(CH2)(2)NMe(DES)}-M(H2O)(2)]center dot nH(2)O [M = Ni (3), Co (4), Cu (5) and Zn (6)]. Treatment of HIV-infected MT-2 cells with Ni, Co and Cu complexes inhibit virus replication up to 50-70% both in pre- and post-infected cells as a result of dual preventive and therapeutic behaviour.