Designing model imino bifunctional chelators for radiopharmaceuticals – in vitro antitumor activity, photoluminescence and structural analysis

Abstract

Five imino salicylidene based bifunctional chelators were developed in order to act as a multipurpose ligand system. The chelators, namely 5-methyl-2-(1,2,4-triazol-3-yliminomethyl)phenol, 2-(9-ethylcarbazol-3-yliminomethyl)-5-methylphenol, 2-[(2-imidazol-4-yl)ethyliminomethyl]-5-methylphenol, 2-[(2-indol-3-yl-ethyl)iminomethyl]-5-methylphenol and 2-[2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyliminomethyl]-5-methylphenol, all of which contain a biological directing functional group on the imine moiety, were investigated via crystallographic and DFT structural studies. Synthesis, in vitro cell testing and photoluminescence are reported indicating specific quantum yields and the respective suitability for radiopharmaceutical development.