A new dinuclear complex of formula [{Re(CO)3(py)}2(µ-4,4”-azobpy)](PF6)2, with py = pyridine and 4,4”-azobpy = 4,4”-azobis(2,2’-bipyridine), has been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic and electrochemical techniques. The symmetrical nature of the dimetallic cation has been confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. When adding L-cysteine or L-glutathione, large and rapid changes in its UV-Vis absorption spectra were observed, which can be used for detecting both biologically relevant thiols. A promising activity for using this complex as a chemotherapeutic agent for bone cancer was also disclosed. Quantum mechanical calculations supported the experimental data.

The oxovanadium(IV) complex of oxodiacetic acid (H2ODA) and 2,2'-bipyridine (bipy) of stoichiometry [VO(ODA)(bipy)]⋅H2O, was thoroughly characterized by infrared, Raman and electronic spectroscopies. The biological activity of the complex on the cell proliferation was tested on osteoblast-like cells (MC3T3E1 osteoblastic mouse calvaria-derived cells and UMR106 rat osteosarcoma-derived cells) in culture. The complex caused inhibition of cellular proliferation in both osteoblast-like cells in culture, but its action was statistically stronger in the tumoral cells. This effect was specially marked with increasing concentrations of the complex. Based on these preliminary biological results, [VO(ODA)(bipy)]⋅H2O can be considered as a good candidate to be further investigated in relation to cancer treatment.

El complejo de oxovanadio(IV) del ácido oxodiacético (H2ODA) y 2,2'-dipiridina (bipy) de estequiometría [VO(ODA)(bipy)]⋅H2O, fue caracterizado detalladamente por espectroscopia infrarroja, Raman y electrónica. La actividad biológica del complejo sobre la proliferación celular fue ensayada sobre células osteoblásticas de fenotipo normal (MC3T3-E1) y tumorales (UMR106) en cultivo. El complejo fue más deletéreo sobre los osteoblastos tumorales que sobre los de fenotipo normal, siendo este efecto más marcado con el aumento de la concentración del mismo. Los resultados de estos estudios biológicos permiten considerar al [VO(ODA)(bipy)]⋅H2O como un buen candidato para futuros estudios en relación a los tratamientos antitumorales.