The “Complex‐in‐a‐Complex” Cations [(acac)2M⊂Ru6(p‐iPrC6H4Me)6(tpt)2(dhbq)3]6+: A Trojan Horse for Cancer Cells

Abstract

The cytotoxicities of the large cationic arene-ruthenium prismatic cage [Ru6(p-iPrC6H4Me)6(tpt)2(dhbq)3]6+ (tpt = 2,4,6-tris(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,5-triazine, dhbq = 2,5-dihydroxy-1,4-benzoquinolato; 16+), and its complex-in-a-complex derivs. [(acac)2M-1]6+ (M = Pd, Pt; acac = acetylacetonate), are evaluated in comparison with free [M(acac)2]. The differences in cytotoxicity suggest that, like a Trojan Horse, leaching of the guest from the cage once inside a cell accelerates and increases the cytotoxic effect.