Synthesis of Platinum(II) Complexes from N-Alkyl-1,2-ethanediamine and N-Alkyl-1,3-propanediamine Deriv

Several platinum complexes have been synthesized in an attempt to find new compounds that show antitumor properties, less severe side effects, and that can overcome cellular resistance. Despite all efforts, only a few compounds have reached clinical use. Among those worth mentioning are the second generation drugs carboplatin which shows less severe nephrotoxicity and oxaliplatin which is active in some resistant cell lines. However, these complexes still present severe side effects and are active in a limited number of tumors. We have recently described the synthesis and characterization of a series of platinum(II) complexes which have as ligands N-benzyl-1,2-ethanediamine and N-benzyl-1,3-propanediamine. Complexes containing diamine ligands have been shown to have relevant antitumor properties and the aromatic compounds could intercalate between the DNA base pairs, possibly increasing their cytotoxic properties