Unveiling Luminescent Ir^I and Rh^I N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes: Structure, Photophysical Specifics, and Cellular Localization in the Endoplasmic Reticulum.

ABSTRACT: Complexes of Rh^I and Ir^I of the [M(COD)(NHC)X] type (where M=Rh or Ir, COD=1,5-cyclooctadiene, NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene, and X=halide) have recently shown promising cytotoxic activities against several cancer cell lines. Initial mechanism of action studies provided some knowledge about their interaction with DNA and proteins. However, information about their cellular localization remains scarce owing to luminescence quenching within this complex type. Herein, the synthesis of two rare examples of luminescent Rh^I and Ir^I [M(COD)(NHC)I] complexes with 1,8-naphthalimide-based emitting ligands is reported. All new complexes are comprehensively characterized, including with single-crystal X-ray structures. Steric crowding in one derivative leads to

SUBMITTER: Daubit IM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8252781 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature