Pt(II) complexes of the type trans-[PtCl2(DMSO) (hydrazide)] and cis-[PtCl2(hydrazide)2]: Solvolysis and cytotoxic activity

Abstract The present work describes the synthesis, solvolysis and cytotoxic activity of Pt (II) complexes of the type trans -[PtCl 2 (DMSO) (L)] and cis -[PtCl 2 (L) 2 ], where L = benzhydrazide (BH), 4-nitrobenzhydrazide (4NH) and 4-(trifluoromethyl)benzhydrazide (4 TF). The structures of these complexes were proposed using spectroscopic methods. All complexes undergo fast solvolysis generating four identical species in DMSO, being that the species cis - and trans -[PtCl 2 (DMSO) (L)] are the most important. As to the stability in DMF, Pt (II) complexes of the type cis -[PtCl 2 (L) 2 ] are very stable, while Pt (II) complexes of the type trans -[PtCl 2 (DMSO) (L)] react at a slower rate than those verified in DMSO. The cytotoxic activity of the compounds was evaluated in a chronic myelogenous leukemia cell line. A relationship between solvolysis and cytotoxic activity was verified. Moreover, our results showed that some Pt (II) complexes were more cytotoxic than the free ligands, carboplatin and cisplatin.