N-Heterocyclic Carbene-Silver(I) Complexes: Emerging Developments for Medicinal Applications

Abstract: The increased applications of silver(I)-NHC complexes have led researchers to explore their medicinal studies and chemical properties. Silver(I) ions have proven to be considerable antimicrobial and anticancer agents, and their incorporation into various medical and associated fields has attracted immense attention. NHC-metal complexes have also been used as catalysts (homogeneous or heterogeneous) in developing various metal-based drugs. This has made them an increasingly popular choice since they provide favourable prerequisites for drug designing due to their great structural diversity, low toxic profile, and a multitude of chemical properties. It has been found that most of the silver(I)-NHC complexes have been more effective than their precursors. The results for various biological properties of imidazole and benzimidazole-based silver (I)-NHC complexes with functionalized and non-functionalized ligands have been summarized in this review. It will serve as a context guide for researchers studying Ag(I)-NHC complexes and their medicinal applications based on the status of research and trends over the past years.