Abstract: A composition comprising the following structure: (formula I) wherein Re represents a rhenium ion having a +1 charge; (formula II) represents an uncharged bidentate bicyclic ligand bonded to the rhenium (Re) by two ring nitrogen (N) atoms; and L is a neutral ligand independently selected from CO and neutral phosphine molecules, wherein at least one of the L groups is a CO molecule; and X? represents a non-coordinating monovalent anion; wherein (formula II) is unsubstituted or substituted on any of its two rings, and said neutral phosphine molecule may or may not contain a phosphorus atom as a ring phosphorus atom; provided that, if (formula II) is unsubstituted, then one or two of said L groups are selected from said neutral phosphine molecules, with the provision that at least one of the neutral phosphine molecules has a phosphorus atom as a ring phosphorus atom. Methods for treating cancer by administering the above complex are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprising the following structure: (formula I) wherein Re represents a rhenium ion having a +1 charge; (formula II) represents an uncharged bidentate bicyclic ligand bonded to the rhenium (Re) by two ring nitrogen (N) atoms; and L is a neutral ligand independently selected from CO and neutral phosphine molecules, wherein at least one of the L groups is a CO molecule; and X? represents a non-coordinating monovalent anion; wherein (formula II) is unsubstituted or substituted on any of its two rings, and said neutral phosphine molecule may or may not contain a phosphorus atom as a ring phosphorus atom; provided that, if (formula II) is unsubstituted, then one or two of said L groups are selected from said neutral phosphine molecules, with the provision that at least one of the neutral phosphine molecules has a phosphorus atom as a ring phosphorus atom. Methods for treating cancer by administering the above complex are also disclosed.