Synthetic procedures are described that allow access to the new complexes cis-[Mo 2 O 5 (apc) 2 ], cis-[WO 2 (apc) 2 ], trans-[UO 2 (apc) 2 ], [Ru(apc) 2 (H 2 O) 2 ], [Ru(PPh 3 ) 2 (apc) 2 ], [Rh(apc) 3 ], [Rh(PPh 3 ) 2 (apc) 2 ]ClO 4 , [M(apc) 2 ], [M(PPh 3 ) 2 (apc)]Cl, [M(bpy)(apc)]Cl (M(II) = Pd, Pt), [Pd(bpy)(apc)Cl], [Ag(apc)(H 2 O) 2 ] and [Ir(bpy)-(Hapc) 2 ]Cl 3 , where Hapc, is 3-aminopyrazine-2-carboxylic acid. These complexes were characterized by physicochemical and spectroscopic techniques. Both Hapc and several of its complexes display significant anticancer activity against Ehrlich ascites tumour cells (EAC) in albino mice.