Synthesis, characterization and cytotoxicity of a new palladium(II) complex with a coumarine-derived ligand

The new coumarine derivative, 3-(1-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethylidene)chroman-2,4--dione, and corresponding palladium(II) complex have been synthesized and characterized by microanalysis, infrared, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The proposed structure of the complex was confirmed on the basis of the X-ray structural study. The palladium(II) complex decreased viability of L929 mouse fibrosarcoma, U251 human glioma and B16 mouse melanoma cell lines in a dose dependent manner, while its ligand exhibited no significant cytotoxicity. The cytotoxic effect of the complex was comparable to that of cisplatin, and mediated by apoptosis associated with oxidative stress, mitochondrial depolarization and caspase activation. Therefore, our results indicate that newly synthesized palladium(II) complex might be a potential candidate for anticancer therapy. [Display omitted] The 3-(1-(2-hydroxyethylamino)ethylidene)chroman-2,4-dione and corresponding palladium(II) complex have been synthesized and characterized spectroscopically and by X-ray analysis. The palladium(II) complex induces caspase-dependent apoptotic death of used cancer cells. •Synthesis of coumarine-derived ligand and corresponding Pd(II) complex.•The structure of the complex was confirmed on the basis of the X-ray analysis.•Newly palladium(II) complex might be a potential candidate for anticancer therapy.