Synthesis and characterization of iridium-apigenin complexes: towards advanced catalysis and cytotoxicity

Apigenin (L1) is an aglycone of many natural glycosides with known biological and pharmacological activities.[1] Iridium complexes are well-known for their stability, as well as their exceptional optical and catalytic properties.[2] The combination of iridium complexes with apigenin and its derivatives offers unique opportunities for enhancing these properties in various chemical and biological contexts. In this study, two distinct iridium complexes were synthesized: complex 1 was obtained by reacting [Ir(ppy)2Cl]2 with apigenin (L1) in the presence of a base; complex 2 was derived from the reaction of [Cp*IrCl2]2 with an apigenin derivative (C21H25O5Si2 - L2). The trimethylsilyl derivative (L2) was obtained by reacting apigenin with trimethylsilyl chloride in DCM using Et3N as a base and reflux for 16h. Both complexes were characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopies. Synthetic and purification procedures are currently being optimized. Both complexes will be tested against cancer cell lines.