One-dimensional chiral copper (II) complexes with novel nano-structures and superior antitumor activity.

Abstract Three novel copper(II) compounds of formulas {[Cu(Phen)(Ala)]·NO 3 ·H 2 O} n (1), {[Cu(Phen)(Ala)]·NO 3 } n (2) and [Cu(Ala) 2 ] n (3) have been synthesized and determined by X-ray diffraction. 1 and 2 are shown in one dimensional long-chain chiral structures, and 3 is a two dimensional checkerboard-type structure. Both 1 and 2 displayed a higher anticancer activity than 3 against various cancer cells, even higher than the similar mononuclear complexes and clinical anticancer drug 5-fluorouracil. The noncancerous cell lines (CCC-HEL-1) have showed that complexes 1–3 have hardly any cytotoxicity. Transmission electron microscopy was studied to show the nano-structure and π function of two complexes. The ligand 1,10-phenanthroline inserted into its enantiomer lead complex 1 stable, and the π–π interaction outside the chain made complex 2 active, which is easy to crack and pile up together. In addition, the energy gaps, UV–vis, luminescent and cyclic voltammetry were experimented to show the stable one dimensional long-chain chiral structure and the π function of two complexes.