Issue 18, 2025

Phenanthroline and hydroxyurea-based Co(iii) complexes: synthesis, characterization and investigation of biological potential

Abstract

It is undeniable that society has made significant advances in developing products and technologies to treat and remedy various diseases affecting the population. However, some neglected diseases still have few treatment options. Therefore, conducting studies to develop treatment options for this group is relevant. To leverage the versatile properties of coordination compounds, this study focuses on the development of cobalt(III)-based coordination compounds using hydroxyurea (HU) and o-phenanthroline (phen) as ligands. The complexes cis-[CoCl2(phen)2]Cl·3H2O and cis-[Co(HU)2(phen)2]Cl3·2H2O were synthesized and characterized using various analytical techniques. The 13C NMR spectrum confirmed that hydroxyurea is part of the composition of cis-[Co(HU)2(phen)2]Cl3·2H2O. Based on the vibrational spectrum (FTIR), HU coordinates to Co(III) through the oxygen atom (carbonyl). Elemental and thermal analyses supported the proposed compositions, and the X-ray powder diffraction data indicated a strong similarity in the crystal structures between both compounds. Additionally, UV-vis and chromatographic data indicated reactivity in water for cis-[Co(HU)2(phen)2]Cl3·2H2O, with the release of the HU ligand. Once well-characterized, the compounds were evaluated against T. cruzi protozoa, as well as bacterial and fungal strains. As a result, cis-[CoCl2(phen)2]Cl·3H2O exhibited trypanocidal activity, similar to benznidazole, against the trypomastigote and amastigote forms of T. cruzi, in non-toxic concentrations for cardiomyocytes. The antiparasitic activity of cis-[CoCl2(phen)2]Cl·3H2O is linked to the formation of membrane blebs, body deformation, and the loss of plasma membrane integrity in the parasites. Furthermore, cis-[Co(HU)2(phen)2]Cl3·2H2O demonstrated antimicrobial activity against two bacterial strains (Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis). Given that the compounds exhibit expected characteristics and demonstrate multiple types of biological activity, it is important to continue studying them to elucidate their mechanisms of action and identify other potential activities.

Graphical abstract: Phenanthroline and hydroxyurea-based Co(iii) complexes: synthesis, characterization and investigation of biological potential

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
21 Nov 2024
Accepted
31 Mar 2025
First published
01 Apr 2025

New J. Chem., 2025,49, 7393-7402

Phenanthroline and hydroxyurea-based Co(III) complexes: synthesis, characterization and investigation of biological potential

A. A. Lopes, G. C. Fernandes, L. C. de Souza Neta, G. S. Rocha, M. V. Gomes das Neves, I. S. Cezar, C. S. Meira, M. Botelho Pereira Soares, V. S. Dias, E. C. L. Cazedey, D. S. D. Sá, W. A. Gomes Junior and C. D. Silva da Silva, New J. Chem., 2025, 49, 7393 DOI: 10.1039/D4NJ05021E

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