Abstract: A composition comprising the following structure: (1) wherein Re represents a rhenium ion having a +1 charge; (I) represents an uncharged bidentate ligand containing at least one ring containing a ring nitrogen atom bound to the rhenium (Re), and the bidentate ligand containing another nitrogen atom, either in a ring or not in a ring, bound to the rhenium (Re); and L1, L2, L3, and L4 are neutral ligands with at least one neutral ligand being an isonitrile ligand of the formula —CN—R, wherein R is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group containing 1-20 carbon atoms; and X? represents a non-coordinating monovalent anion; wherein the bidentate ligand and R are optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from (i)-(xi) as further discussed above. Methods for treating a condition that benefits from ER stress induction, such as cancer, by administering the above rhenium complex are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition comprising the following structure: (1) wherein Re represents a rhenium ion having a +1 charge; (I) represents an uncharged bidentate ligand containing at least one ring containing a ring nitrogen atom bound to the rhenium (Re), and the bidentate ligand containing another nitrogen atom, either in a ring or not in a ring, bound to the rhenium (Re); and L1, L2, L3, and L4 are neutral ligands with at least one neutral ligand being an isonitrile ligand of the formula —CN—R, wherein R is an aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbon group containing 1-20 carbon atoms; and X? represents a non-coordinating monovalent anion; wherein the bidentate ligand and R are optionally substituted by one or more groups selected from (i)-(xi) as further discussed above. Methods for treating a condition that benefits from ER stress induction, such as cancer, by administering the above rhenium complex are also disclosed.