Cyclometallated Iridium(III) Complexes: Ligand-Driven Selectivity for Chemotherapy and Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

This study explores two cyclometallated Ir(III) complex families with distinct therapeutic profiles. Benzothiophene derivatives (1, 2) exhibit potent antiproliferative character in the dark, favoring chemotherapy, while benzothiazole analogs (3 and 4) show high photocytotoxicity, ideal for photodynamic therapy. Photophysical studies and subcellular localization analyses highlight ligand-driven selectivity and the role of organelle targeting in therapeutic outcomes.