Two mixed valence diruthenium(ii,iii) isomeric complexes show different anticancer properties

Abstract

In this paper it is demonstrated that the nature of the ligands of two Ru₂(II,III) paddlewheel complexes dramatically affects the overall anticancer properties in cells. Herein, the complex [Ru₂(EB776)₄Cl] was found to be more active against a glioblastoma model with respect to its isomer [Ru₂(EB106)₄Cl]. These different effects depend on the steric hindrance, on the allowed conformations of the complexes and on the presence of hydrophilic regions in [Ru₂(EB776)₄Cl], which overall lead to a lower “steric protection”.