Synthesis, structure and reactivity of azosalophen complexes of vanadium(IV): studies on cytotoxic properties

Abstract

The free ligands, 2-{(o-hydroxyaryl)azo}-1-N-salicylidene phenylamine, H₂L [where H₂L = RC₆H₄NNC₆H₄NCH-C₆H₄OHR = p-H for H₂L¹, p-Me for H₂L² and p-Cl for H₂L³], were prepared by the condensation of salicylaldehyde with 2-{(o-hydroxy aryl)azo} aniline. Reaction of H₂L with VOSO₄ afforded the oxovanadium complex, (L)V(O)(H₂O). The (L¹)V(O)(H₂O) complex displays two reversible responses at 0.7 V and −0.65 V vs.SCE in cyclic voltammetry. Catalytic activity of (L¹)V(O)(H₂O) toward H₂O₂ induced oxidation of organic thioethers to sulfoxide and sulfones have been examined. The cytotoxicity of (L¹)V(O)(H₂O) has also been examined on human lung cancer cells.