Half-sandwich Ruthenium Complexes Research Articles

Ferrocene-modified half-sandwich iridium(III) and ruthenium(II) propionylhydrazone complexes and anticancer application

Ferrocene, ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) organometallic complexes, potential substitutes for platinum-based drugs, have shown good application prospects in the field of cancer therapy. Therefore, in this paper, six ferrocene-modified half-sandwich ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) propionylhydrazone complexes were prepared, and the anticancer potential was evaluated and compared with cisplatin. These complexes showed potential in-vitro anti-proliferative activity against A549 cancer cells, especially for Ir-based complexes, and showing favorable synergistic anticancer effect. Meanwhile, these complexes showed little cytotoxicity and effective anti-migration activity. Ir3, the most active complex (ferrocene-appended iridium(III) complex), could accumulate in the intracellular mitochondria, disturb the cell cycle (S-phase), induce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, and eventually cause the apoptosis of A549 cells. Then, the design of these complexes provides a good structural basis for the multi-active non‑platinum organometallic anticancer complexes.

Comparison of Ru(II)‒arene complexes containing naphthyl-/quinolinyl-substituted ligand vis-a-vis structure, spectra and catalytic activity

A series of ligands with naphthyl/quinolinyl substituent in their principal molecular framework were synthesised. Their corresponding half-sandwich ruthenium (Ru) complexes (Ru1a-b, Ru2a-b and Ru3) were then successfully generated. The structure of all synthesised compounds was comprehensively elucidated via 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), elemental analysis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopies. Notably, the structural configuration of Ru3 was delineated via X-ray diffraction. The catalytic efficacy of the Ru complexes was systematically probed in two distinct reactions: 1) transfer hydrogenation (TH) of ketones using 2-propanol as the hydrogen source and 2) reduction of nitroarenes to anilines using sodium tetrahydridoborate as the reducing agent in ethanol, conducted at ambient temperature. Comparative analysis of catalytic yields of the Ru complexes (Ru1a-b, Ru2a-b and Ru3) in both reaction types revealed that Ru3 delivered superior catalytic performance in both types of reactions. Furthermore, scrutiny of the 1H NMR spectrum during the TH reaction revealed formation of Ru-hydride species.

Development of Half-Sandwich Ru, Os, Rh, and Ir Complexes Bearing the Pyridine-2-ylmethanimine Bidentate Ligand Derived from 7-Chloroquinazolin-4(3H)-one with Enhanced Antiproliferative Activity.

Kinesin spindle protein (KSP) inhibitors are one of the most promising anticancer agents developed in recent years. Herein, we report the synthesis of ispinesib-core pyridine derivative conjugates, which are potent KSP inhibitors, with half-sandwich complexes of ruthenium, osmium, rhodium, and iridium. Conjugation of 7-chloroquinazolin-4(3H)-one with the pyridine-2-ylmethylimine group and the organometallic moiety resulted in up to a 36-fold increased cytotoxicity with IC50 values in the micromolar and nanomolar range also toward drug-resistant cells. All studied conjugates increased the percentage of cells in the G2/M phase, simultaneously decreasing the number of cells in the G1/G0 phase, suggesting mitotic arrest. Additionally, ruthenium derivatives were able to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS); however, no significant influence of the organometallic moiety on KSP inhibition was observed, which suggests that conjugation of a KSP inhibitor with the organometallic moiety modulates its mechanism of action.

Promoting the Anticancer Activity with Multidentate Furan-2-Carboxamide Functionalized Aroyl Thiourea Chelation in Binuclear Half-Sandwich Ruthenium(II) Complexes.

A new set of binuclear arene ruthenium complexes [Ru2(p-cymene)2(k4-N2OS)(L1-L3)Cl2] (Ru2L1-Ru2L3) encompassing furan-2-carboxamide-based aroylthiourea derivatives (H2L1-H2L3) was synthesized and characterized by various spectral and analytical techniques. Single-crystal XRD analysis unveils the N^O and N^S mixed monobasic bidentate coordination of the ligands constructing N, S, Cl/N, O, and Cl legged piano stool octahedral geometry. DFT analysis demonstrates the predilection for the formation of stable arene ruthenium complexes. In vitro antiproliferative activity of the complexes was examined against human cervical (HeLa), breast (MCF-7), and lung (A549) cancerous and noncancerous monkey kidney epithelial (Vero) cells. All the complexes are more efficacious against HeLa and MCF-7 cells with low inhibitory doses (3.86-11.02 μM). Specifically, Ru2L3 incorporating p-cymene and -OCH3 fragments exhibits high lipophilicity, significant cytotoxicity against cancer cells, and lower toxicity on noncancerous cells. Staining analysis indicates the apoptosis-associated cell morphological changes expressively in MCF-7 cells. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) analyses reveal that Ru2L3 can raise ROS levels, reduce MMP, and trigger mitochondrial dysfunction-mediated apoptosis. The catalytic oxidation of glutathione (GSH) to its disulfide form (GSSG) by the complexes may simultaneously increase the ROS levels, alluding to their observed cytotoxicity and apoptosis induction. Flow cytometry determined the quantitative classification of late apoptosis and S-phase arrest in MCF-7 and HeLa cells. Western blotting analysis confirmed that the complexes promote apoptosis by upregulating Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 and downregulating BCL-2. Molecular docking studies unfolded the strong binding affinities of the complexes with VEGFR2, an angiogenic signaling receptor, and BCL2, Cyclin D1, and HER2 proteins typically overexpressed on tumor cells.

Novel half-sandwich ruthenium(II) nicotinic hydrazone complexes: An efficient class of catalyst for the N-alkylation of amines with benzyl alcohol via transfer hydrogen mechanism and effective antibacterial agents

A new series of half sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes supported by nicotinic acid hydrazone derivatives of general formula [Ru(ɳ6-p-cymene)(Cl)(L)], where L represents N’-benzylidenenicotinohydrazide (HL1), N’-(naphthalen-1-ylmethylene)nicotinohydrazide (HL2) or N’-(pyren-1-ylmethylene)nicotinohydrazide (HL3) were synthesized and fully characterized. The solid-state molecular structures of ligands and complexes were elucidated with single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The ligands HL1 and HL2 possess monoclinic crystal system with P21/c and C2/c space groups respectively, whereas all the three Ru(II) complexes C1–3 are typical three-legged piano-stool geometries with orthorhombic(Aba2) (C1) and triclinic(P-1) (C2–3) systems respectively. The catalytic activities of these ruthenium complexes in the synthesis of N-alkylated amines were explored. Under optimal reaction condition, the complex C3 was found to be the most efficient catalyst for the N-alkylation of primary to secondary amines using benzyl alcohol. A wide range of substrates have been studied that includes anilines bearing electron withdrawing/electron donating group, fused aromatic, heteroaromatic, alicyclic and aliphatic amines with good to excellent yield. In addition, the antibacterial activity of the complexes were tested against different human pathogenic bacteria, among them C2 complex with naphthyl moiety was found to be the most active one against both Gram-positive (S. aureus and E. faecalis) and Gram-negative (E. coli and K. pneumoniae) bacteria. These two different studies demonstrate the catalytic and biological importance of our newly prepared Ruthenium complex.

Half-sandwich ruthenium complexes with acylhydrazone ligands: synthesis and catalytic activity in the N-alkylation of hydrazides.

Novel half-sandwich ruthenium complexes termed [(p-cymene)RuClL] were synthesized by chelating arylhydrazone ligands with [(p-cymene)RuCl2]2 and were then fully characterized using different spectroscopic and analytical techniques. The crystal structure of complex 4 indicated that the hydrazone ligands bonded to the ruthenium ion in a bidentate manner through the imine nitrogen and imidazolate oxygen, exhibiting a pseudo-octahedral geometry centered by the ruthenium atom. The as-fabricated air and moisture stable half-sandwich ruthenium complexes demonstrated excellent catalytic activity towards the N-alkylation of hydrazides under mild conditions. Under the catalysis of ruthenium complexes, acyl hydrazides were reacted with different types of alcohols in a one-pot reaction, resulting in N-alkylation hydrazides with different substituents. This catalyst exhibited characteristics such as high catalytic efficiency, broad substrate scope, and mild reaction conditions, indicating that it has great potential for industrial applications.

Design of an anticancer organoruthenium complex as the guest and polydiacetylene-coated fluorogenic nanocarrier as the host: engineering nanocarrier using ene-yne conjugation for sustained guest release, enhanced anticancer activity and reduced in vivo toxicity.

Despite the enormous efforts made over the past two decades to develop metallodrugs and nanocarriers for metallodrug delivery, there are still few precise strategies that aim to optimize the design of both metallodrugs and metallodrug carriers jointly in a concerted effort. In this work, three half-sandwich ruthenium(II) complexes with pyridylimidazo[1,5-a]pyridine ligand functionalized with polycyclic aromatic moiety (Ru(nap), Ru(ant), Ru(pyr)) are evaluated as possible anticancer candidates and polydiacetylene (PDA)-coated amino-functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (AMSNs) are designed as a functional nanocarrier for drug delivery. Ru(pyr) exhibits higher cytotoxicity in HT-29 colorectal cancer cells compared to other complexes and cis-platin, but it does not exhibit better cellular uptake. Ru(pyr) is found to be preferentially accumulated in plasma, mitochondria, and ER-Golgi membrane. The complex induces cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase, while higher concentrations cause programmed cell death via apoptosis. Ru(pyr) influences cancer cell adhesion property and acts as an antioxidant in HT-29 cells. In order to modulate the anticancer potency of Ru(pyr), AMSNs are used to encapsulate the complex, and then diacetylene self-assembly is allowed to deposit on the surface of the nanoparticles. Subsequently, the nanoparticles undergo topopolymerization, which results in π-conjugated PDA-Ru(pyr)@AMSNs. Owing to the ene-yne polymeric skeleton in the backbone, the non-fluorescent AMSNs turn into red-emissive particles, which are exploited for cell imaging applications. The release profile analysis reveals that such a π-conjugated polymer prevents the premature release of the complex from porous silica nanoparticles with the accelerated release of the complex in an acidic medium compared to physiological conditions. The PDA gatekeepers have also been proven to enhance the cellular internalization of Ru(pyr) with slow continuous release from the nanoformulation. Zebrafish embryo toxicity analysis suggests that the PDA-coated nanocarriers could be suitable candidates for in vivo investigations.

Potent Half-Sandwich 16-/18-Electron Iridium(III) and Ruthenium(II) Anticancer Complexes with Readily Available Amine-Imine Ligands.

The synthesis and biological evaluation of stable 16-electron half-sandwich complexes have remained scarce. We herein present the different coordination modes (16-electron or 18-electron) between half-sandwich iridium(III) complexes and ruthenium(II) complexes derived from the same amine-imine ligands chelating hybrid sp3-N/sp2-N donors. The 16-electron iridium(III) and 18-electron ruthenium(II) complexes with different counteranions were obtained and identified by various techniques. The promising cytotoxicity of these complexes against A549 lung cancer cells, cisplatin-resistant A549/DPP cells, cervical carcinoma HeLa cells, and human hepatocellular liver carcinoma HepG2 cells was observed with IC50 values ranging from 5.4 to 16.3 μM. Moreover, these complexes showed a certain selectivity (selectivity index: 2.1-3.7) toward A549 cells and BEAS-2B normal cells. The variation of metal center, counteranion, 16/18-electron coordination mode, and ligand substituents showed little influence on the cytotoxicity and selectivity of these complexes. The mechanism of action study showed that these complexes could target mitochondria, induce the depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane, and promote the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Further, the induction of cell apoptosis and the perturbation of the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase were also observed for these complexes. Overall, it seems that the redox mechanism dominated the anticancer efficacy of these complexes.

Synthesis, Structure, and Mechanism of Half-Sandwich Ruthenium Complex Containing OrthoCarborane-1,2-Dithiolate Ligand and 1-Phenyl-2-Propyn-1-ol

Synthesis, Structure, and Mechanism of Half-Sandwich Ruthenium Complex Containing OrthoCarborane-1,2-Dithiolate Ligand and 1-Phenyl-2-Propyn-1-ol

Cyclometalated Half-Sandwich Ruthenium Complexes: Preparation, Structure, and Catalytic Synthesis of Phenolic Esters from Aryl Halides without Using External CO under Air.

A series of cyclometalated C,N-chelate half-sandwich ruthenium complexes based on N-heterocyclic ligands were prepared through a simple route with good yields. These air- and moisture-stable cyclometalated ruthenium complexes showed excellent catalytic efficiency in phenoxy carbonylation of aryl halides with phenyl formate derivatives as a CO source and phenol as a coupling partner under air. Ester products were obtained with high yields at room temperature and without the need for an inert atmosphere. The excellent catalytic activity, broad substrate range, and mild reaction conditions made this catalytic system potential for industrial production. In addition, DFT study has been carried out to elaborate the possible mechanism of this Ru-catalyzed reaction.

Exploring benzene Ru(II) complexes of 2-subsitituted quinoline/napthyridine ligands: Synthesis, biomacromolecular binding and DFT investigations

This work reports the synthesis of 2-substituted quinoline/napthyridine ligands by a Friedländer condensation which are employed for the synthesis of half-sandwich benzene ruthenium(II) complexes having formula [(benzene)RuIIL(N∩N)Cl]+. These complexes have been characterized spectroscopically by IR, UV, 1H, and 13C NMR, HR-MS and SC-XRD techniques. The interaction of the [2]PF6 with ct-DNA and HSA have been evaluated using UV–Vis absorption spectroscopy. The binding constants for ct-DNA - [2]PF6 and HSA - [2]PF6 complex were found to be in the order of 104 M–1, which suggests that HSA can transport the complex toward the potential target sites. Furthermore, competitive displacement assay and viscosity measurement reflect that the [2]PF6 binds to the groove region of DNA. Moreover, molecular docking studies with HSA and DNA corroborated the outcome of experimental binding studies, underscoring the potential of these Ru(II) complexes as potential candidates for various biological activities. DFT studies reveal the existence of strong hydrogen bonds (about -35 kJ/mol) between the hydrogens of the -NH2 group (of the cationic part of the complex) and the counter anions (Cl− and PF6−). The existence of NH···Cl− and NH···F (of PF6−) hydrogen bonds in [2]Cl and in [2]PF6 were confirmed with the help of atom-in-molecule (AIM) and non-covalent interaction index (NCI) analysis. The negative H(rc) values obtained from AIM analysis indicates the partial covalent character of the NH···Cl− and N-H···F (of PF6−) hydrogen bonded interaction in [2]Cl and [2]PF6 complexes.

Half-Sandwich Iridium(III), Rhodium(III), and Ruthenium(II) Complexes Chelating Hybrid sp2-N/sp3-N Donor Ligands to Achieve Improved Anticancer Selectivity.

The biological efficacy of half-sandwich platinum group organometallic complexes of the formula [(η5-Cpx)/(η6-arene)M(XY)Cl]0/+ (XY = bidentate ligands; Cpx = functionalized cyclopentadienyl; M = Ir, Rh, Ru, Os) has received considerable attention due to the significance of the metal center, chelating ligand, and Cpx/arene moieties in defining their anticancer potency and selectivity. With a facile access to the BIAN-derived imine-amine ligands using alkylaluminum as the reductant, we herein described the preparation and characterization of 16 half-sandwich Ir(III), Rh(III), and Ru(II) complexes chelating the hybrid sp2-N/sp3-N donor ligand. A nonplanar five-member metallacycle was confirmed by X-ray single-crystal structures of Ir1-Ir3, Ir7, Rh1, Ru1, and Ru4. The attempt to prepare imine-amido complexes using a base as the deprotonating agent led to the mixture of imine-amine complexes, within which the leaving group Cl- was displaced, and 16-electron imine-amido complexes without Cl-. The half-sandwich imine-amine complexes in this system underwent rapid hydrolysis in aqueous solution, exhibited weak photoluminescence, and showed the ability of binding to CT-DNA and BSA. The cytotoxicity of all imine-amine complexes against A549 lung cancer cell lines, HeLa cervical cancer cell lines, and 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells was determined by an MTT assay. The IC50 values of these complexes were in a range of 5.71-67.28 μM. Notably, most of these complexes displayed improved selectivity toward A549 cancer cells versus noncancerous BEAS-2B cells in comparison with the corresponding α-diimine complexes chelating the sp2-N/sp2-N donor ligand, which have been shown no selectivity in our previous report. The anticancer selectivity of these complexes appeared to be related to the redox-based mechanism including the catalytic oxidation of NADH to NAD+, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane. Further, inducing apoptosis of these complexes in A549 cancer cells and BEAS-2B normal cells also correlated with their anticancer selectivity, indicating the apoptosis mode of cell death in this system. In addition, these complexes could enter A549 cells via energy-dependent pathway and were able to impede the in vitro migration of A549 cells.

Highly efficient phosphine-free half-sandwich Ruthenium(II) catalysts for hydrogenation of nitroarenes

We present herein the synthesis and characterization of two ruthenium(II) half-sandwich complexes (1·PF6 and 2·PF6) featuring phosphine-free ligands N-(pyridin-2-yl)quinolin-2-amine (L-1) and N-(4-methylpyridin-2-yl)quinolin-2-amine (L-1). The molecular structures of both complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These complexes functioned as excellent phosphine-free catalytic systems for the synthesis of aryl amines from corresponding nitroarenes by employing sodium borohydride under mild conditions in ethanol. Intermediacy of [Ru–H] has been established by spectroscopic studies. The reduction showed good chemo selectivity in presence of −COOH and –NHCOMe functionality.

Synthesis of half-sandwich ruthenium(II) and iridium(III) complexes containing imidazole-based phosphinite ligands and their use in catalytic transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone with isopropanol

Two ionic liquids (3-(3‑chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)-1-vinyl-1H-imidazol-3-ium chloride and 3-(3‑chloro-2-hydroxypropyl)-1‑butyl‑1H-imidazol-3-ium chloride) were prepared from commercially available, inexpensive 1-vinyl imidazole or 1‑butyl imidazole, respectively, in ethanol at room temperature. Then, these ionic liquids were treated with PPh2Cl to obtain ionic liquid-based phosphinite ligands and the reaction of these phosphinites with [Ru(η6-benzene)(μ-Cl)Cl]2, [Ru(η6−p-cymene)(μ-Cl)Cl]2, or [Ir(η5-C5Me5)(μ-Cl)Cl]2 gave the corresponding ruthenium and iridium complexes. Structures of the synthesized compounds were clarified by multinuclear NMR and IR spectroscopy as well as microanalysis. Furthermore, the complexes were applied as catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation of acetophenone derivatives to afford the corresponding alcohols with high conversions. Notably, [Ru(Ph2POC8H11N2Cl2)(η6-benzene)Cl2] acts as a good catalyst, giving the corresponding alcohols in 97–98% yields in 15 min at 82 °C (TOF ≤ 400 h−1) for the transfer hydrogenation reaction in comparison to analogous complexes. The catalysts are also useful for a variety of related ketone substrates with various electronic and steric regulating groups.

Half-Sandwich Ruthenium Complexes with Hydrazone Ligands: Preparation, Structure, and Catalytic Activity in Cyanosilylether Synthesis under an Air Atmosphere.

A new class of N,O-coordinate half-sandwich ruthenium complexes supported by hydrazone ligands with a general formula of [Ru(η6-p-cymene)Cl(L)] have been obtained in moderate to excellent yields conveniently. These air- and moisture-stable ruthenium complexes exhibited excellent catalytic activity in cyanosilylether synthesis under mild reaction conditions. Under the catalysis of ruthenium, various cyanosilylethers with different substituents were obtained through a one-pot reaction of trimethylsilyl cyanide with carbonyl substrates, with good to excellent yields. Excellent catalytic efficiency, a wide substrate range, and mild reaction conditions made this type of ruthenium catalyst have potential for industrial application. All of the half-sandwich ruthenium complexes have been well described by infrared, nuclear magnetic resonance, and EA analysis. Molecular structures of ruthenium complexes 1 and 4 were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray analysis.

Hydroxypyridine/Pyridone Interconversions within Ruthenium Complexes and Their Application in the Catalytic Hydrogenation of CO2

Reaction of a new ligand 6-DiPPon (6-diisopropylphosphino-2-pyridone) with 0.5 equiv of [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 resulted in the formation of a mixture of [RuCl2(p-cymene)(κ1-P-6-DiPPon)]2 (1) and [RuCl(p-cymene)(κ2-P,N-6-DiPPin)]Cl ([2]Cl) (where 6-DiPPin = 6-diisopropylphosphino-2-hydroxypyridine). The ratio between the two products can be controlled by the nature of the solvent. The similar reaction between 6-DiPPon and [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 in the presence of AgOTf and Na[BArF24] (where BArF24 = [{3,5-(CF3)2C6H3}4B]-) resulted in the formation of the complexes [RuCl(p-cymene)(κ2-P,N-6-DiPPin)]OTf, ([2]OTf) and [RuCl(p-cymene)(κ2-P,N-6-DiPPin)]BArF24 ([2]BArF24), respectively. Reactions between complex [2]Cl, [2]OTf, or [2]BArF24 and a base (either DBU or NaOMe) resulted in the deprotonation of the hydroxyl functional group to form a novel neutral orange-colored dearomatized complex, 3. The identity of complex 3 was confirmed as [RuCl(p-cymene)(κ2-P,N-6-DiPPon*)], where 6-DiPPon* is the anionic species (6-diisopropylphosphino-2-oxo-pyridinide), which contains the deprotonated moiety. The new 6-DiPPon ligand and its corresponding air stable half-sandwich derivative ruthenium complexes 1, [2]OTf, [2]BArF24, and 3 were all isolated in good yields and fully characterized by spectroscopic and analytical methods. The interconversions between the neutral and anionic forms of the ligands 6-DiPPon, 6-DiPPin, and 6-DiPPon* offer the potential for novel secondary sphere interactions and proton shuttling reactivity. The consequences for this have been explored in the activation of H2 and the subsequent catalytic hydrogenations of CO2 into formate salts in the presence of a base.

In vitro and in vivo antitumor activity of novel half-sandwich ruthenium complexes containing quinoline derivative ligands.

A series of half-sandwich ruthenium complexes containing quinoline derivative ligands was synthesized, which had excellent antitumor toxicity toward a variety of cell lines and could localize lysosomes. The damage of lysosomes promotes the release of cathepsin B and initiates downstream apoptotic cascade signals. The increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by the decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) synergistically amplified the damage degree of lysosomes. In addition, the complex could inhibit cell transfer and clone formation. In vivo results showed that the complex had excellent biological effects in tested mouse samples as the body weight of mice did not change much during the treatment, and the mean tumor volume was significantly lower than the control group.

Ionic liquids containing half-sandwich ruthenium complexes: in-situ interconversions via photochemical and thermal ligand exchange

Cyclopentadienyl (Cp) Ru complexes exhibit diverse chemical reactivity and are versatile as catalysts, but their applications to functional materials are yet to be explored. To develop stimuli-responsive liquids based on...

Functionalised organometallic photoswitches containing dihydropyrene units.

Functionalising organic molecular photoswitches with metal complexes has been shown to alter and enhance their switching states. These organometallic photoswitches provide a promising basis for novel smart molecular materials and molecular electronic devices. We have detailed the synthesis and characterisation of mono- and bimetallic half-sandwich ruthenium and iron complexes functionalised with alkynyl dihydropyrenes (DHP). Their electronic and photophysical properties were determined by the use of chemical, electrochemical and spectroelectrochemical techniques. The introduction of the metal alkynyl moiety allows access to additional redox and protonation states not accessible by the DHP alone. An additional metal alkynyl moiety inhibits observable photochromic switching. Analysis of the NIR and IR bands in the mixed valence complexes suggests there is a high degree of charge delocalisation across the DHP.

Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Investigations of Half-Sandwich Ruthenium(II) Complexes Containing Benzimidazole Moiety

Half-sandwich Ru(II) complexes belong to group of biologically active metallo-compounds with promising antimicrobial and anticancer activity. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of arene ruthenium complexes containing benzimidazole moiety, namely, [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl(bimCOO)] (1) and [(η6-p-cymene)RuCl2(bim)] (2) (where bimCOO = benzimidazole-2-carboxylate and bim = 1-H-benzimidazole). The compounds were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, IR, UV-vis and CV. Molecular structures of the complexes were determined by SC-XRD analysis, and the results indicated the presence of a pseudo-tetrahedral (piano stool) geometry. Interactions in the crystals of the Ru complexes using the Hirshfeld surface analysis were also examined. In addition, the biological studies of the complexes, such as antimicrobial assays (against planktonic and adherent microbes), cytotoxicity and lipophilicity, were performed. Antibacterial activity of the complexes was evaluated against S. aureus, E. coli, P. aeruginosa PAO1 and LES B58. Cytotoxic activity was tested against primary human fibroblasts and adenocarcinoma human alveolar basal epithelial cells. Obtained biological results show that the ruthenium compounds have bacteriostatic activity toward Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 strain and are not toxic to normal cells. A molecular docking study was applied as a predictive source of information about the plausibility of examined structures binding with HSA as a transporting system.