Synthesis, characterization, and antitumor activities of 1,1′-diacetylferrocene dihydrazone containing phenolic group and its complexes with Pd(II) and Pt(II)

A ferrocenyl ligand was prepared from condensation of 1,1′-diacetylferrocene dihydrazone with salicylaldehyde. The ligand forms 1:1 complexes with Pd(II) and Pt(II) in good yield. Characterization of the ligand and complexes was carried out using elemental analysis, infrared study, 1 H and 13 C nuclear magnetic resonance, and electronic absorption spectra. Anticancer activity of the prepared ligand and its complexes against human breast cancer cell line MCF-7 was determined, and the results were compared with the activity of the commonly used anticancer drug cisplatin. The results suggested that the prepared compounds possess significant antitumor activity comparable to the activity of cisplatin.