Synthesis, Characterisation and Cytotoxic Activity Evaluation of New Metalsalen Complexes Based on the 1,2-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane Bridge

Diaminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane was used as starting material for the preparation, in solution or in a ball-mill, of a salen ligand. Five metal salen complexes were prepared in high yield and their cytotoxic activities were evaluated against HCT116 cell lines. Original manganese salen complex displayed the highest activity with a potency 16 fold higher than the one of cisplatin, demonstrating the benefit of the bridging backbone, compared to other salen systems. An alternative preparation route for this complex by mechanochemistry was also performed.