3,5-Dibromophenyl-functionalised imidazolium salts and their corresponding [Au(NHC)2]+ complexes: synthesis, supramolecular chemistry and anti-cancer activity

The synthesis and spectroscopic and structural characterisation of new 3,5-dibromophenyl-functionalised imidazolium salts and their corresponding [Au(NHC)2]+ complexes is reported. X-ray diffraction studies revealed intra- and intermolecular interactions involving the 3,5-dibromophenyl group, including Br…π interactions with imidazolyl and C6 arene rings. Au-NHC complexes functionalised with 3,5-dibromophenyl substituents showed potent activity against OVCAR-8 (ovarian cancer) cells at low micromolar concentrations.