Synthesis, characterization, and anticancer activity of Co(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II) complexes containing mefenamic acid and 2-methylimidazole

Abstract

Mefenamic acid (mef), a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug in pain treatment, was utilized as the starting material in synthesizing three metal (II) complexes in the presence of 2-methylimidazole (mei) co-ligand. The newly synthesized complexes, [Co(mef)2(mei)2(C2H5OH)2]; (1), [Cu(mef)2(mei)2(C2H5OH)2]; (2), and [Zn(mef)2(mei)2]; (3), were characterized using elemental analysis, spectroscopic techniques (FTIR, UV–Vis), thermal analysis, and single crystal X-ray crystallography. Complex (3) was further characterized by 1H and 13C NMR and PXRD. FTIR studies confirmed the coordination of mefenamato ligand and 2-methylimidazole in the complexes, while TG analysis determined their compositions and thermal stability. Complexes (1) and (2) were found to be isostructural, with an octahedral geometry and surrounded by monodentate ligands, while complex (3) is a tetrahedral Zn(II) complex. In addition, the MTT test was used to investigate the cytotoxicity of mefenamic acid and the complexes on lung cancer cells (NCIH-460), breast cells (MDAMB), and normal cells (L929). Complex (1) demonstrated the most significant anti-MDAMB cell line activity.