PLATINUM COMPLEX, ITS PREPARATION AND THERAPEUTIC USE

Info

Publication number: 20210371441
Type: Application
Filed: May 21, 2021
Publication Date: Dec 2, 2021
Inventors: Guangyu ZHU (Kowloon), Zoufeng XU (Kowloon), Qiyuan ZHOU (Kowloon)
Application Number: 17/327,517

Abstract

A platinum complex comprises a chemical structure of Structure I: where L1 and L2 are independently selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to halogen ligands, hydroxo ligands, carboxylato ligands, and alkoxido ligands; R1, R2 and R3 are each independently selected from a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group; wherein the hydrocarbon group is selected from: alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of: hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amido, amino, nitro, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, or porphyrin ring; and the heterocyclic group is selected from: pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl or carbozolyl; or two adjacent R1, R2 and R3 groups form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.

Description

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 to U.S. Patent Provisional Application Ser. No. 63/028,646 filed on May 22, 2020, entitled “PLATINUM COMPLEX, ITS PREPARATION AND THERAPEUTIC USE” by Guangyu ZHU, et al., which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

This invention relates to phosphine coordinated platinum complexes, particularly but not exclusively to phosphine coordinated platinum complexes which may be used for treatment of cancer, more particularly for inhibition of tumor cell growth. The invention also relates to methods of making the complexes, dosage forms including the complexes and methods of treatment using the complexes and dosage forms.

Platinum has been used as a cancer therapeutic for many years. Cisplatin defined the platinum based cancer therapeutics field when it was first discovered in 1845 and then subsequently licensed for medical use in 1978. Platinum-based anticancer drugs including cisplatin have been extensively used in the clinic to treat different types of cancer patients. Although more than 50% of cancer patients have been treated with platinum-based anticancer drugs, the drugs are facing lots of issues including toxic side effects and drug resistance.

Therefore, novel anticancer agents that are able to conquer drug resistance issues are highly desired. In certain embodiments, the phosphine-coordinated platinum complexes of the present invention aim to provide activity against cancer cell growth. In addition, certain embodiments of the present invention aim to provide efficacy in killing human cancer cells. The present invention aims to provide complexes of certain embodiments that are more efficacious as a cancer therapy than cisplatin. This is particularly true for cancer cell lines that are cisplatin-resistant.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a platinum complex having a chemical structure of Structure I:

wherein
L₁and L₂are independently selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to halogen ligands, hydroxo ligands, carboxylato ligands, and alkoxido ligands;
R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group;
wherein the hydrocarbon group is selected from the group consisting of: alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of: hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amido, amino, nitro, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, and porphyrin ring; and
the heterocyclic group is selected from the group consisting of: pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl and carbozolyl;
or two adjacent R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈groups form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.

In embodiments the platinum complex has a structure of Structure II:

wherein
R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heteroaryl group, optionally R₃is identical to R₆, R₄is identical to R₇, and R₅is identical to R₈;
R₉and R₁₀are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a carboxyl group; and
n is an electrical charge of the complex and is selected from zero, any positive integer or negative integer (optionally n is 0, or 2+).

As stated above, n is an electrical charge of the complex. As the skilled person would appreciate, the complex may consequently have a counter ion to provide a balancing electrical charge. In embodiments, the complex optionally further comprises a counter ion selected from: anions, including but not limited to nitrogen (N)-containing anions, oxygen (O)-containing anions, phosphorous (P)-containing anions, sulfur (S)-containing anions, and halogen containing anions. Preferably, the counter ion is a halide counter ion, such as chloride.

When substituted a group may be substituted with a halo group, —NH₂, an amine substituted with one or two C1-C5 alkyl, a linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a C1 to C5 alkoxy group, a C1 to C5 acyl group or a C1 to C5 carboxyl group.

In embodiments R₃, R₄, R₆, and R₇are independently selected from: a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heteroaryl group. In embodiments R₃, R₄, R₆, and R₇are independently selected from: an unsubstituted aryl group; an aryl group substituted with a halo group, a linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, or a C1 to C5 alkoxy group; and a heteroaryl group.

In embodiments R₃, R₄, R₆, and R₇are independently selected from: phenyl, tolyl, chlorophenyl, methoxyphenyl, and fluorophenyl.

In embodiments R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇are selected from any one of the following groups:

a phenyl group,

Optionally, R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇are identical.

In embodiments R₅and R₈are independently selected from: an unsubstituted linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group (optionally a C4 to C8 cycloalkyl group), a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heteroaryl group.

In embodiments R₅and R₈are independently selected from: a C4 to C8 cycloalkyl group, an unsubstituted aryl group, a heteroaryl group, and an aryl group substituted with a halo group, —NH₂, an amine substituted with one or two C1 to C5 alkyl groups, a linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, or a C1 to C5 alkoxy group.

In embodiments R₅and R₈are independently selected from: ethyl, cyclohexyl, pyridyl, tolyl, chlorophenyl, fluorophenyl, N,N-dimethylaminophenyl, methoxy phenyl.

In embodiments R₅and R₈are selected from any one of the following groups:

an ethyl group,

Optionally, R₅and R₈are identical

In embodiments R₉and R₁₀are independently selected from: a linear chain C1 to C5 alkyl group; a C1 to C5 carboxyl group; an unsubstituted aryl group (preferably a C6 to C10 aryl group); and an aryl group (preferably a C6 to C10 aryl group) substituted with a branched or linear chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a C1 to C5 acyl group; a C1 to C5 carboxyl group (optionally —C(O)₂H).

In embodiments R₉and R₁₀are independently selected from: methyl, phenyl, carboxypropyl, and carboxyphenyl.

In embodiments R₉and R₁₀are independently selected from any one of the following groups:

a methyl group,

or a phenyl group.

In embodiments the platinum complex is a platinum complex, wherein:

R₁and R₂are independently selected from any one of the following groups:
a methyl group,

or a phenyl group;
R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇are identical, and they are selected from any one of the following groups:
a phenyl group,

R₅and R₈are identical and are selected from any one of the following groups:
an ethyl group,

In embodiments the platinum complex is a complex having the structure of Structure II wherein:

R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are phenyl and R₉and R₁₀are methyl;
R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are phenyl and R₉and R₁₀are

R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are phenyl and R₉and R₁₀are

R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are phenyl; R₉is methyl, and R₁₀are phenyl; and
R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are phenyl; R₉is phenyl, and R₁₀is

In embodiments the platinum complex is a complex having the structure of Structure III:

In embodiments the platinum complex is a complex having the structure of Structure III wherein:

R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇are phenyl and R₅and R₈are

R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are

R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇are phenyl and R₅and R₈are

In embodiments the platinum complex is a complex having the structure of Structure IV:

In embodiments where the metal complex has any structure disclosed herein, PR₆R₇R₈and PR₃R₄R₅are represented by the following phosphine ligands:

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a process for preparing a compound of the present invention by the reaction of [PtXX′YY′L₁L₂] and the corresponding phosphine ligands (PR₃R₄R₅or PR₆R₇R₈), wherein R₃is identical to R₆, R₄is identical to R₇, and R₅is identical to R₈:

wherein:
X, X, Y, and Y′ are selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to nitrogen (N)-containing ligands, oxygen (O)-containing ligands, phosphorous (P) containing ligands, sulfur (S)-containing ligands, and halogen containing ligands;
L₁and L₂are independently selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to halogen ligands, hydroxo ligands, carboxylato ligands and alkoxido ligands;
R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group; hydrocarbon group including but not limited to alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of
hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amido, amino, nitro, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, and porphyrin ring; heterocyclic group is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl and carbozolyl; or adjacent R₁, R₂, and R₃may form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a platinum complex of Structure V:

wherein
p is the number of methylene groups, which may be 1, 2, 3, or 4;
X- and X′- are selected from anions, including but not limited to nitrogen (N)-containing anions, oxygen (O)-containing anions, phosphorous (P)-containing anions, sulfur (S)-containing anions, and halogen containing anions;
R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group; hydrocarbon group including but not limited to alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amido, amino, nitro, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, and porphyrin ring; heterocyclic group is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl and carbozolyl; or adjacent R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇may form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.

In embodiments R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇have any definition set out herein.

Preferably, R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇are phenyl. Preferably, X- and X′- are halogen containing anions such as chloride.

In embodiments the platinum complex may have a structure selected from Structure VIa and VIb:

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provide a process for preparing a compound of the present invention by a reaction of [PtXX′YY′L₁L₂] and the corresponding chelating phosphine ligands:

wherein
n is the number of methylene groups, which may be 1, 2, 3, or 4;
X- and X′- are selected from anions, including but not limited to nitrogen (N)-containing anions, oxygen (O)-containing anions, phosphorous (P)-containing anions, sulfur (S)-containing anions, and halogen containing anions;
Y, and Y′ are selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to nitrogen (N)-containing ligands, oxygen (O)-containing ligands, phosphorous (P). containing ligands, sulfur (S)-containing ligands, and halogen containing ligands;
L₁and L₂are independently selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to halogen ligands, hydroxo ligands, carboxylato ligands and alkoxido ligands;
R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group; hydrocarbon group including but not limited to alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amide, amino, nitre, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, and porphyrin ring; heterocyclic group is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl and carbozolyl; or adjacent R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇may form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.

In a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating a subject suffering from a cancer comprising administering an effective amount of the platinum complex of the present invention to a subject.

In a further aspect, there is provided a metal complex of the present invention for use in a method of treating cancer.

In another aspect the present invention there is provided a pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a complex in accordance with this invention and one of more excipients.

In embodiments of the method and the metal complex for use, the cancer is selected from an ovarian cancer, a lung cancer, or a breast cancer.

In particular the cancer may be a cisplatin resistant cancer cell line. For example, a cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer, a cisplatin resistant lung cancer, or a cisplatin resistant breast cancer.

In embodiments of the method and the metal complex for use, the cancer is selected from the following cancer cell lines: A2780, A2780CisR, A549 and A549CisR and MCF-7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A platinum complex comprising a structure of Formula (I):

L₁, L₁′, L₂, and L₂′ are independently selected from a nitrogen-containing ligand, an oxygen containing ligand, a phosphorous-containing ligand, a sulfur-containing ligand or a halogen containing ligand, optionally L₁, and L₁′, are linked to form a first bidentate ligand, and L₂, and L₂′ are linked to form a second bidentate ligand; and n is selected from zero, any positive integer or negative integer.

In embodiments L₁, L₁′, L₂, and L₂′ are independently selected from hydroxido, halido, carboxylato, alkoxido, or substituted or unsubstituted phosphine ligand.

In embodiments L₁, L₁′, L₂, and L₂′ are identical.

In embodiments the platinum complex has a structure of Formula (IIa):

wherein R₁and R₂are independently selected from any one of the following groups:
a methyl group,

or a phenyl group.

In embodiments the platinum complex has a structure of Formula (IIb):

and
wherein
R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇are identical, and they are selected from any one of the following groups:
a phenyl group, or

R₅, and R₈are identical and are selected from any one of the following groups:
an ethyl group,

In embodiments the platinum complex has a structure of Formula (III)

R₁, R₂, R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heteroaryl group;
L₃and L₄, are independently a linker group of —(CH₂)_m— with m being 1, 2, 3 or 4, preferably L₃and L₄, are identical; and
n is selected from zero, any positive integer or negative integer.

In an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of treating a subject suffering from a cancer comprising administering an effective amount of the platinum complex of the present invention to a subject.

The present invention also relates to a platinum complex for use in the method of treatment.

In embodiments, the cancer is selected from an ovarian cancer, a lung cancer, or a breast cancer.

In embodiments, the platinum complex for use in the method of treatment is a platinum complex comprising a chemical structure of Structure I:

wherein
L₁and L₂are independently selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to halogen ligands, hydroxo ligands, carboxylato ligands, and alkoxido ligands;
R₁, R₂and R₃are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group;
wherein the hydrocarbon group is selected from: alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of: hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amido, amino, nitro, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, and porphyrin ring; and
the heterocyclic group is selected from the group consisting of: pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl and carbozolyl;
or two adjacent R₁, R₂and R₃groups form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.

In embodiments, the platinum complex for use in the method of treatment is the platinum complex having a structure of Structure (II):

wherein
R₃, R₄, R₅, R₆, R₇and R₈are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heteroaryl group, optionally R₃is identical to R₆, R₄is identical to R₇, and R₅is identical to R₈;
R₉and R₁₀are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a carboxyl group; and n is selected from zero, any positive integer or negative integer (optionally n is 0, or 2+).

In embodiments, the platinum complex for use in the method of treatment is a platinum complexes of Structure V:

wherein
p is the number of methylene groups, which may be 1, 2, 3, or 4;
X- and X′- are selected from anions, including but not limited to nitrogen (N)-containing anions, oxygen (O)-containing anions, phosphorous (P)-containing anions, sulfur (S)-containing anions, and halogen containing anions;
R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group; hydrocarbon group including but not limited to alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amido, amino, nitro, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, and porphyrin ring; heterocyclic group is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl and carbozolyl; or adjacent R₃, R₄, R₆and R₇may form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.

In embodiments, the platinum complex for use in the method of treatment is a complex having a structure of Structure VIa or VIb:

EXAMPLES

1. Materials

All reactions were carried out under in the dark. All the reagents and solvents were used as received without further purification

2. General Measurements

NMR spectra were collected on a Bruker Ascend AVANCE III 600 MHz spectrometer or a Bruker AVANCE III 400 MHz spectrometer. Chemical shifts are reported in parts per million compared with residual solvent peaks. ESI-MS was performed on an Agilent API-2000 Triple-Q MS/MS spectrometer. High-resolution ESI-MS data were obtained on Thermo Scientific LTQ Qrbitrap XL mass spectrometer. Elemental analysis was performed using a Vario Micro elemental analyzer.

3. Synthesis and Characterizations

3.1 Synthesis of t-[Pt(R₁COO)(R₂COO)(PPh₃)₂]

Triphenylphosphine (PPh₃, 3.3 equiv., 0.56 mmol, 147 mg), together with carbozolyl (IV) complexes {0.17 mmol, which is 71 mg of c,c,t-[Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂(acetato)₂], 91 mg of c,c,t-[Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂(succinato)₂], 107 mg of c,c,t-[Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂(phthalato)₂], 82 mg of c,c,t-[Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂(acetate)(benzoato)], or 92 mg of c,c,t-[Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂(acetate)(benzoato)]} was dissolved in MeOH (5 mL). The reaction mixture was then stirred at room temperature overnight, after which the solvent was removed by rotary evaporation, and the crude product was collected and purified by column chromatography (silica gel, 10:1 DCM:MeOH). The product was obtained as an off white solid.

t-[Pt(acetato)₂(PPh₃)₂] (1a). Yield: 67%, 95 mg (0.11 mmol). Anal Calcd for: C₄₀H₃₆O₄P₂Pt (837.76): C, 57.35; H, 4.33; N, 0.00. Found: C, 57.43; H, 4.30; N, 0.04. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.76 (q, J=5.8 Hz, 12H), 7.42 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 6H), 7.38 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 12H), 0.88 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 176.0, 134.8 (t, J_P-C=6.4 Hz), 130.4, 129.2 (t, J_P-C=27.7 Hz), 128.1 (t, J=5.3 Hz), 21.1. ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 14.2 (s+d, J_Pt-P=3069.1 Hz). ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR (129 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −2896.3 (t, J_P-Pt=3080.1 Hz). ESI-MS (positive ion mode): 837.9 m/z [M+H]⁺; calcd for C₄₀H₃₇O₄P₂Pt m/z 838.2 [M+H]⁺.

t-[Pt(succinato)₂(PPh₃)₂] (1b). Yield: 71%, 115 mg (0.12 mmol). Anal Calcd for: C₄₄H₄₀O₈P₂Pt (953.83): C, 55.41; H, 4.23; N, 0.00. Found: C, 55.24; H, 4.15; N, 0.05. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 12.89 (s, 2H), 7.66 (q, J=6.2 Hz, 12H), 7.50 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 6H), 7.43 (t, J=7.5 Hz, 12H), 1.53-1.51 (m, 4H), 1.49-1.44 (m, 4H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 181.1, 173.6, 134.5 (t, J_P-C=6.4 Hz), 131.2, 128.6 (t, J_P-C=5.4 Hz), 127.9 (t, J_P-C=28.1 Hz), 31.4, 29.7. ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 14.5 (s+d, J_Pt-P=2928.2 Hz). ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR (129 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −2911.5 (t, J_P-Pt=3025.1 Hz). ESI-MS (positive ion mode): 953.9 m/z [M+H]⁺; calcd for C₄₄H₄₁O₈P₂Pt m/z 954.2 [M+H]⁺.

t-[Pt(phthalato)₂(PPh₃)₂] (1c). Yield: 66%, 118 mg (0.11 mmol). Anal Calcd for: C₅₂H₄₀O₈P₂Pt (1049.92): C, 59.49; H, 3.84; N, 0.00. Found: C, 59.10; H, 3.90; N, 0.07. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 16.02 (s, 2H), 8.08 (d, J=7.6 Hz, 2H), 7.73 (q, J=5.9 Hz, 12H), 7.35 (t, J=7.4 Hz, 6H), 7.33-7.31 (m, 2H), 7.29 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 12H), 7.11-7.07 (m, 4H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 174.7, 166.8, 134.4 (t, J_P-C=6.5 Hz), 133.3, 132.4, 131.7, 131.3, 131.2, 130.5, 130.4, 128.7 (t, J_P-C=5.4 Hz), 127.2 (t, J_P-C=28.4 Hz). ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 15.5 (s+d, J_Pt-P=2896.6 Hz). ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR (129 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −2924.3 (t, J_P-Pt=2903.1 Hz). ESI-MS (positive ion mode): 1049.9 m/z [M+H]⁺; calcd for C₅₂H₄₁O₈P₂Pt m/z 1050.2 [M+H]⁺.

t-[Pt(acetato)(benzoato)(PPh₃)₂] (1d). Yield: 74%, 113 mg (0.13 mmol). Anal Calcd for: C₄₅H₃₈O₄P₂Pt (899.83): C, 60.07; H, 4.26; N, 0.00. Found: C, 59.89; H, 4.32; N, 0.06. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.77 (q, J=5.7 Hz, 12H), 7.36-7.29 (m, 18H), 7.11 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.06 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 6.94 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 0.88 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 176.0, 171.0, 134.8 (t, J_P-C=6.5 Hz), 130.3, 129.5, 129.2, 129.0, 128.8, 128.1 (t, J_P-C=5.3 Hz), 126.4, 21.0. ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 14.8 (s+d, J_Pt-P=3110.4 Hz). ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR (129 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −2909.7 (t, J_P-Pt=3114.1 Hz). ESI-MS (positive ion mode): 899.9 m/z [M+H]⁺; calcd for C₄₅H₃₉O₄P₂Pt m/z 900.2 [M+H]⁺.

t-[Pt(succinato)(benzoato)(PPh₃)₂] (1e). Yield: 69%, 112 mg (0.12 mmol). Anal Calcd for: C₄₇H₄₀O₆P₂Pt (957.86): C, 58.94; H, 4.21; N, 0.00. Found: C, 59.32; H, 4.27; N, 0.04. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 13.36 (s, 1H), 7.73 (q, J=5.8 Hz, 12H), 7.38 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 6H), 7.33 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 12H), 7.13 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 1H), 7.09 (d, J=7.0 Hz, 2H), 6.96 (t, J=7.7 Hz, 2H), 1.48 (s, 4H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 181.2, 173.8, 171.2, 134.6, 130.8, 129.8, 128.9, 128.5, 128.4, 128.1, 31.6, 29.7. ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 14.8 (s+d, J_Pt-P=2986.5 Hz). ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR (129 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −2914.5 (t, J_P-Pt=3014.1 Hz). ESI-MS (positive ion mode): 958.0 m/z [M+H]⁺; calcd for C₄₇H₄₁O₆P₂Pt m/z 958.2 [M+H]⁺.

3.2 Synthesis of t-[Pt(acetato)₂(PR₃)₂]

c,c,t-[Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂(acetato)₂] (71 mg, 0.17 mmol) was suspended in methanol (3 mL), to which 3.6 equiv. of phosphines [0.61 mmol, diphenyl(p-tolyl)phosphine (169 mg), tri(p-tolyl)phosphine (186 mg), tris(4-chlorophenyl)phosphine (224 mg), cyclohexyldiphenylphosphine (164 mg) or diphenyl-2-pyridylphosphine (161 mg)] were added. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The desired product was isolated and purified by aluminum oxide column chromatography, using dichloromethane/methanol (10:1) as an eluent. After evaporation, the final product was washed with diethyl ether (30 mL) twice and collected as a white solid by centrifugation.

t-[Pt(acetato)₂(C₁₉H₁₇P)₂] (2a). Yield: 63% (91 mg, 0.105 mmol). HRMS (ESI) m/z calculated for C₄₂H₄₁P₂O₄Pt⁺ (M+H)⁺866.21223, found 866.21216. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.73 (q, J=5.8 Hz, 8H), 7.69-7.64 (m, 4H), 7.39 (m, 12H), 7.20 (d, J=7.7 Hz, 4H), 2.36 (s, 6H), 0.89 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 175.9, 140.7, 134.9 (t, J=6.6 Hz), 134.7 (t, J=6.4 Hz), 130.2, 129.5 (t, J=27.7 Hz), 128.9 (t, J=5.5 Hz), 128.0 (t, J=5.3 Hz), 125.7 (t, J=28.5 Hz), 21.5, 21.2. ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 13.7 (s+d, J=3187.8 Hz). ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR (129 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −2898.1 (t, J=3077.94 Hz).

t-[Pt(acetato)₂(C₂₁H₂₁P)₂] (2b). Yield: 77% (85 mg, 0.092 mmol). HRMS (ESI) m/z calculated for C₄₆H₄₉O₄P₂Pt⁺ (M+H)⁺922.27483, found 922.27423. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.62 (d, J=6.4 Hz, 12H), 7.17 (d, J=7.4 Hz, 12H), 2.34 (s, 18H), 0.91 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 175.8, 140.3, 134.7 (t, J=6.5 Hz), 128.8 (t, J=5.5 Hz), 126.2 (t, J=28.6 Hz), 21.4, 21.3. ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 12.7 (s+d, J=3061.8 Hz). ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR (129 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −2898.5 (t, J=3045.7 Hz).

t-[Pt(acetato)₂(C₁₈H₁₂Cl₃P)₂] (2c). Yield: 64% (112 mg, 0.107 mmol). HRMS (ESI) m/z calculated for C₄₀H₃₁O₄P₂Cl₆Pt⁺ (M+H)⁺1041.94710, found 1041.94666. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.62 (m, 12H), 7.40 (d, J=8.4 Hz, 12H), 0.97 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 176.2, 137.8, 135.8 (t, J=7.0 Hz), 128.8 (t, J=5.6 Hz), 126.5 (t, J=28.5 Hz), 21.2. ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 12.7 (s+d, J=3134.7 Hz). ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR (129 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −2914.0 (t, J=3134.7 Hz).

t-[Pt(acetato)₂(C₁₈H₂₁P)₂] (2d). Yield: 51% (105 mg, 0.123 mmol). HRMS (ESI) m/z calculated for C₄₀H₄₉O₄P₂Pt⁺ (M+H)⁺850.27483, found 850.27423. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.74-7.67 (m, 8H), 7.40 (m, 12H), 2.51 (t, J=12.2 Hz, 2H), 2.11 (d, J=12.4 Hz, 4H), 1.69 (s, 4H), 1.60 (d, J=12.9 Hz, 2H), 1.39 (s, 6H), 1.28 (q, J=13.1 Hz, 4H), 0.96 (m, 6H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 176.9, 134.1 (t, J=5.7 Hz), 129.9, 127.8 (t, J=4.8 Hz), 34.1, 28.4, 27.2, 26.1, 22.0. ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 21.0 (s+d, J=2940.3 Hz). ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR (129 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −2844.1 (t, J=2967.0 Hz).

t-[Pt(acetato)₂(C₁₇H₁₄NP)₂] (2e). Yield: 28% (39 mg, 0.047 mmol). HRMS (ESI) m/z calculated for C₃₈H₃₅O₄N₂P₂Pt⁺ (M+H)⁺840.17143, found 840.17102. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 8.74-8.71 (m, 2H), 8.51 (d, J=4.5 Hz, 2H), 7.87 (q, J=5.7 Hz, 8H), 7.78 (t, J=8.7 Hz, 2H), 7.42 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 4H), 7.38 (t, J=7.2 Hz, 8H), 7.30 (d, J=7.5 Hz, 2H), 0.89 (s, 6H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 176.4, 149.9 (t, J=7.2 Hz), 135.8 (t, J=5.1 Hz), 135.0 (t, J=6.3 Hz), 132.9 (t, J=14.7 Hz), 130.5, 128.7 (t, J=28.3 Hz), 128.0 (t, J=5.4 Hz), 124.2, 20.9. ³¹P NMR (162 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 15.6 (s+d, J=3094.2 Hz). ¹⁹⁵Pt NMR (129 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ −2925.8 (t, J=3121.8 Hz).

3.3 Synthesis of {Pt[Ph₂P(CH₂)₂PPh₂]₂}Cl₂and {Pt[Ph₂P(CH₂)₃PPh₂]₂}Cl₂

c,c,t-[Pt(NH₃)₂Cl₂(acetato)₂] (71 mg, 0.17 mmol) was suspended in methanol (3 mL), to which 2.4 equiv. of phosphines [0.41 mmol, 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe, 162 mg) or 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane (dppp, 168 mg)] were added. The mixture was stirred overnight at room temperature. The desire product was formed as white precipitate and collected by centrifugation. After washing with diethyl ether (30 mL) for twice, the final product was collected as white solid.

[Pt(C₂₆H₂₄P₂)₂]Cl₂(3a) Yield: 34%. (60 mg, 0.057 mmol) HRMS (ESI) m/z calculated for C₅₂H₄₈ClP₄Pt⁺ (M-Cl)⁺1027.20491, found 1027.20496; m/z calculated for C₅₂H₄₈P₄Pt₂⁺ (M-2Cl)²⁺495.61793, found 495.61902. ¹H NMR (600 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 7.73-7.67 (m, 16H), 7.33 (t, J=7.3 Hz, 16H), 7.30 (d, J=7.2 Hz, 8H), 3.36 (t, J=7.9 Hz, 8H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 134.8, 132.0, 129.1, 126.1, 31.9. ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, Chloroform-d) δ 47.2 (s+d, J=2357.1 Hz).

[Pt(C₅₄H₅₂P₂)]Cl₂(3b). Yield: 73%. (133 mg, 0.122 mmol) ¹H NMR (600 MHz, D₂O) δ 7.40 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 8H), 7.28 (d, J=6.5 Hz, 32H), 2.61 (t, J=6.5 Hz, 8H), 2.03-1.91 (m, 4H). ¹³C NMR (151 MHz, D₂O) δ 133.27, 132.52, 129.38, 126.01-125.41 (m), 23.98-23.46 (m), 16.96. ³¹P NMR (243 MHz, D₂O) δ −7.0 (s+d, J=2189.2 Hz).

4. Cytotoxicity Test

4.1 Cell Lines and Cell Culture Conditions

Human ovarian A2780 and cisplatin-resistant A2780cisR cells were maintained in Roswell Park Memory Institution (RPMI) 1640 medium supported with 10% FBS, 2 mM L-glutamine, and 100 unit/mL penicillin/streptomycin. Human lung carcinoma A549 cells, cisplatin-resistant A549cisR cells, and human breast MCF-7 cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) with 10% FBS and 100 units penicillin/streptomycin.

4.2 Cytotoxicity Test

The viability of cancer cells exposed to the compounds was evaluated by means of MTT assay. Cells were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 3,000 cells per well and incubated until the cell confluency reached 50%. Then, the medium was removed and replaced with fresh medium containing different concentrations of complexes with 1% DMF. For complex 3a and 3b with A2780, A2780CisR, A549 and A549CisR cells, the medium used for replacement contains no DMF. After 72 h, the medium was changed to serum-free medium containing 1 mg/mL MTT. After 2 h additional incubation, the medium was removed, and DMSO (200 μL) was delivered to each well to dissolve the formed purple formazan. The absorbance at 570 nm and 730 nm of each well was measured using a microplate reader (BioTek PowerWave XS).

4.3 Cytotoxicity Result

TABLE 1 Cytotoxicity of complexes 1a to 1e, 2a to 2e, 3a, 3b and cisplatin. 72 h IC₅₀(μM) Complexes A2780 A2780cisR A549 A549cisR MCF-7 1a 4.3 ± 0.6 3.3 ± 0.8 3.3 ± 0.6 5 ± 1 10 ± 1 1b 15 ± 1 13 ± 1 5.3 ± 0.6 8 ± 5 — 1c 18 ± 3 10 ± 2 7 ± 1 7 ± 2 — 1d 4.9 ± 0.6 3.1 ± 0.2 5 ± 3 5 ± 1 — 1e 8 ± 4 7.2 ± 0.2 5.0 ± 0.8 5 ± 2 — 2a 8 ± 1 7 ± 2 28 ± 3 — 7 ± 1 2b 4 ± 1 4 ± 1 6.1 ± 0.3 — 4 ± 0.3 2c 4 ± 1 4 ± 1 24 ± 7 — 18 ± 2 2d >2.4 >2.4 >2.7 — >2.4 2e >9.4 >9.4 >11.1 — >9.4 3a 12 ± 3 5 ± 1 3.6 ± 0.2 1.3 ± 0.1 7 ± 1 3b 0.23 ± 0.09 2.6 ± 0.6 0.48 ± 0.02 0.07 ± 0.01 0.2 ± 0.01 cisplatin 2.1 ± 0.6 23 ± 6 2.0 ± 0.1 12 ± 1 18 ± 3

Claims

1. A platinum complex comprising a chemical structure of Structure I:

wherein

L1 and L2 are independently selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to halogen ligands, hydroxo ligands, carboxylato ligands, and alkoxido ligands;

R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group;

wherein the hydrocarbon group is selected from the group consisting of: alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of: hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amido, amino, nitro, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, and porphyrin ring; and

the heterocyclic group is selected from the group consisting of: pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl and carbozolyl;

or two adjacent R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 groups form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.

2. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1; wherein the complex has a structure of Structure (II):

wherein

R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heteroaryl group, optionally R3 is identical to R6, R4 is identical to R7, and R5 is identical to R8;

R9 and R10 are independently selected from a hydrogen atom, a substituted or unsubstituted linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a carboxyl group; and

n is an electrical charge of the complex and is selected from zero, any positive integer or negative integer (optionally n is 0, or 2+);

wherein when substituted a group may be substituted with a halo group, —NH2, an amine substituted with one or two C1-C5 alkyl, a linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a C1 to C5 alkoxy group, a C1 to C5 acyl group or a C1 to C5 carboxyl group.

3. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1; wherein R3, R4, R6, and R7 are independently selected from: a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heteroaryl group.

4. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein; R3, R4, R6, and R7 are independently selected from: phenyl, tolyl, chlorophenyl, methoxyphenyl, and fluorophenyl.

5. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein; R5 and R8 are independently selected from: an unsubstituted linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a cycloalkyl group, a substituted or unsubstituted aryl group, or a heteroaryl group.

6. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein; R5 and R8 are independently selected from: a C4 to C8 cycloalkyl group, an unsubstituted aryl group, a heteroaryl group, and an aryl group substituted with a halo group, —NH2, an amine substituted with one or two C1 to C5 alkyl groups, a linear or branched chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, or a C1 to C5 alkoxy group.

7. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein; R5 and R8 are independently selected from: ethyl, cyclohexyl, pyridyl, tolyl, chlorophenyl, fluorophenyl, N,N-dimethylaminophenyl, methoxy phenyl.

8. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein, R9 and R10 are independently selected from: a linear chain C1 to C5 alkyl group; a C1 to C5 carboxyl group; an unsubstituted aryl group (preferably a C6 to C10 aryl group); and an aryl group (preferably a C6 to C10 aryl group) substituted with a branched or linear chain C1 to C5 alkyl group, a C1 to C5 acyl group; a C1 to C5 carboxyl group (optionally —C(O)2H).

9. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 8 wherein; R9 and R10 are independently selected from: methyl, phenyl, carboxypropyl, and carboxyphenyl.

10. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 9 wherein; R9 and R10 are independently selected from any one of the following groups: or a phenyl group.

a methyl group,

11. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein; R1 and R2 are independently selected from any one of the following groups: or a phenyl group;

a methyl group,

R3, R4, R6 and R7 are identical, and they are selected from any one of the following groups:

a phenyl group,

R5 and R8 are identical and are selected from any one of the following groups:

an ethyl group,

12. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the complex has the structure of Structure II wherein:

R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are phenyl and R9 and R10 are methyl;

R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are phenyl and R9 and R10 are

R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are phenyl; R9 is methyl, and R10 are phenyl; and

R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are phenyl; R9 is phenyl, and R10 is

13. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the complex has the structure of Structure II:

14. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein; the complex has the structure of Structure III wherein:

R3, R4, R6 and R7 are phenyl and R5 and R8 are

R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are

R3, R4, R6 and R7 are phenyl and R5 and R8 are

15. In embodiments the platinum complex is a complex having the structure of Structure IV:

16. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 wherein; wherein PR6R7R8 and PR3R4R5 are represented by phosphine ligands selected from the following ligands:

17. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 1 having a structure of Structure V:

wherein

p is the number of methylene groups, which may be 1, 2, 3, or 4;

X- and X′- are selected from anions, including but not limited to nitrogen (N)-containing anions, oxygen (O)-containing anions, phosphorous (P)-containing anions, sulfur (S)-containing anions, and halogen containing anions;

R3, R4, R6 and R7 are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group; hydrocarbon group including but not limited to alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amido, amino, nitro, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, and porphyrin ring; heterocyclic group is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl and carbazolyl; or adjacent R3, R4, R6 and R7 may form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.

18. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 17; wherein; R3, R4, R6 and R7 have a definition set out in claim 1.

19. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 17 wherein; R3, R4, R6 and R7 are phenyl.

20. A platinum complex as claimed in claim 17 wherein; complex has a structure selected from Structure VIa and VIb:

21.-29. (canceled)

30. A process for preparing a compound as claimed in claim 1; including the step of reaction of [PtXX′YY′L1L2] and corresponding phosphine ligands (PR1R2R3):

wherein:

X, X, Y, and Y′ are selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to nitrogen (N)-containing ligands, oxygen (O)-containing ligands, phosphorous (P) containing ligands, sulfur (S)-containing ligands, and halogen containing ligands;

L1 and L2 are independently selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to halogen ligands, hydroxo ligands, carboxylato ligands and alkoxido ligands;

R3, R4, R5, R6, R7 and R8 are are each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group; hydrocarbon group including but not limited to alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of

hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amido, amino, nitro, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, and porphyrin ring; heterocyclic group is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl and carbazolyl; or adjacent R1, R2, and R3 may form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.

31. A process for preparing a compound as claimed in claim 1; including the step of reaction of [PtXX′YY′L1L2] and a corresponding chelating phosphine ligands:

wherein

n is the number of methylene groups, which may be 1, 2, 3, or 4;

X- and X′- are selected from anions, including but not limited to nitrogen (N)-containing anions, oxygen (O)-containing anions, phosphorous (P)-containing anions, sulfur (S)-containing anions, and halogen containing anions;

Y, and Y′ are selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to nitrogen (N)-containing ligands, oxygen (O)-containing ligands, phosphorous (P). containing ligands, sulfur (S)-containing ligands, and halogen containing ligands;

L1 and L2 are independently selected from electron donor ligands, including but not limited to halogen ligands, hydroxo ligands, carboxylato ligands and alkoxido ligands;

R3, R4, R6 and R7 each independently selected from the group consisting of a hydrogen atom, hydrocarbon group, or heterocyclic group; hydrocarbon group including but not limited to alkyl, alkenyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, and naphthyl which may optionally be substituted by at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, halogen, alkoxy, alkoxycarbonyl, carboxy, amide, amino, nitre, cyano, carbamate, urea, sulfonyl, sulfenyl, phosphenyl, phosphinyl, sulfide, thioether, thioester, sugar moiety, cyclodextrin, and porphyrin ring; heterocyclic group is selected from the group consisting of pyridyl, piperidyl, azino, azolyl, imidazolyl, triazinyl, furyl and carbazolyl; or adjacent R3, R4, R6 and R7 may form a heterocycle or a carbocycle with or without an intermediary hetero atom or intermediary hetero atoms.