Therapeutic potential of Ag(i)-, Au(i)-, and Au(iii)-NHC complexes of 3-pyridyl wingtip N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) against lung cancer

Herein, we report the easy synthetic approaches, structural features, theoretical studies, and extensive bioactivity of [Ag(1)₂][PF₆] (2), [Au(1)₂][PF₆] (3), and [Au(1)Cl₃] (4) compounds prepared from the NHC precursor 3-[(pyridin-3-yl)]imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin-4-ylium hexafluorophosphate (1·HPF₆). All the compounds were prepared and characterized by employing various spectroscopic techniques. The geometry of Au(i) complex, 3, was further confirmed using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) studies. DFT studies were performed to optimize the geometry and gain insights into the structure. The new compounds were implicated in studying their anti-oncogenic role in the most prevalent lung cancer. Anti-proliferative properties and very outstanding cytotoxicity were observed against various cancer cell lines but high potency towards lung cancer cells (A549) was observed. An MTT (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay of the drugs revealed their cytotoxicity and further study revealed that the drug plays a pivotal role in the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent intrinsic apoptotic pathway. These studies widened the array of bioactive organometallics and revealed the remarkable efficacy of such compounds in solving therapeutic challenges.