Synthesis, kinetics, mechanisms, and bioactivity evaluations of a novel Zn(ii) complex

Abstract

Zn(II)-based anticancer drugs can be suitable alternatives to conventional Pt(II)-based drugs because of the unique chemical properties of Zn(II) and low toxicity. In this study, a new hexadentate and heteroleptic Zn(II) complex ([Zn(bpy)₂(OAc)₂], 1) was prepared with a conventional N,N-donor ligand (2,2′-bipyridine) and a leaving group (OAc) and characterized via ESI-MS, UV-Vis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. Kinetic and mechanistic investigations of 1 were performed using two biologically relevant ligands (DL-penicillamine and L-cysteine) to understand its selectivity and reactivity. Substitution reactions were determined to be two-step processes in the associative activation mode. Bioactivity studies of 1 revealed moderate to strong DNA-binding, cleaving ability, and antimicrobial properties.