The synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and anticancer activity of new mono and binuclear phosphanegold(I) dithiocarbamate complexes

A new series of mononuclear [t-BuPAuSCN(CH)] (1 ), and binuclear [(DPPM)Au(SCN(CH))] (2), [(DPPM)Au(SCN(CH))] (3) and [(DPPM)Au(SCN(CH))] (4) [where DPPM = 1,1-bis(diphenylphosphino) methane, SCN(CH) = dimethyldithiocarbamate, SCN(CH) = diethyldithiocarbamate and SCN(CH) = dibenzyldithiocarbamate] gold(I) complexes have been prepared by reacting gold(I) precursors and dialkyl-diaryl dithiocarbamate ligands. The complexes were characterized by an analytical technique and spectroscopic methods such as CHNS analysis, FTIR spectroscopy; H, C and P NMR measurements. The molecular structure of the [ t-BuPAuSCN(CH)] (1) complex was determined by X-ray diffraction. The gold(I) complexes (2 and 3) were found particularly to be better potent in vitro cytotoxic agents in comparison to cisplatin against HeLa, HCT15 and A549 cancer cell lines. These metal complexes could serve as attractive anticancer agents for the development of novel therapeutic strategies and to treat cervix, lung and colon cancers.