Potential of organometallic complexes in medicinal chemistry

Abstract

Organometallic complexes, which include ligands such as carbon monoxide (CO), carbenes, alkyls, phenyls, p-bound alkynes, alkenes, cyclopentadienyls, and arenes, have been extensively utilized in fields like materials chemistry and catalysis. These complexes also offer opportunities for the development of new medications with unique modes of action. Specifically, we are interested in anticancer drugs that can enhance the effectiveness of platinum treatments, broaden their range of action, reduce adverse effects, and prevent resistance. The distinct physiochemical properties of organometallic complexes have made them valuable in homogeneous catalysis, including the production of lead compounds and therapeutic possibilities. Over the past 20 years, a small group of researchers worldwide has explored the medical applications of these compounds’ unique characteristics, such as their structural diversity, potential for ligand exchange, and redox and catalytic properties. The results have been remarkable, and it is anticipated that numerous other organometallic compounds will undergo clinical trials in the coming years in addition to those already underway. In this brief study, we outline the advantages that organometallic metal complexes have over coordination compounds and pure organic molecules.