Cyclometalated Platinum(II) Complexes Bearing Acyclic Diaminocarbene Ligands as Potential Anticancer Agents

Two series of C^N‐cyclometalated platinum(II) complexes bearing acyclic diaminocarbene (ADC) ligands were synthesized via the nucleophilic addition of diethylamine to cycloplatinated isocyanide precursors. The complexes exhibit intense phosphorescence, with Φ PL up to 75%, as well as remarkable hydrolytic stability. The ADC complexes display potent antiproliferative activity against a panel of solid and hematological cancer cell lines, with IC 50 values ranging from 0.5 to 4.4 µM. Leukemia cells were the most sensitive, with IC 50 values of 0.5–1.0 µM. Unlike cisplatin and oxaliplatin, which act mainly as cytostatic agents, the complexes induce rapid cytotoxic effects within 12 h. The m ‐CF 3 ‐substituted derivatives showed higher activity than their p ‐CF 3 analogs, highlighting the potential of these complexes as promising anticancer metallodrugs.