Synthesis, characterisation and cytotoxic activity evaluation of new metal-salen complexes based on the 1,2-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane bridge

Abstract (R)-1,2-Diaminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane was used as a starting material for the preparation, in solution or in a ball mill, of a salen ligand. Five metal salen complexes were prepared in high yield and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated against the HCT116 cell lines. The original manganese salen complex displayed the highest activity with a potency 16 fold higher than that of cisplatin, demonstrating the benefit of the bridging backbone compared to other salen systems. An alternative preparation route for this complex by mechanochemistry was also performed.