Synthesis, structure and cytotoxic activity of cobalt(II), nickel(II) and copper(II) chloride complexes with acetamidrazones

Co-II, Ni-II and Cu-II chloride complexes with acetamidrazone derivatives ( L)-(L) have been prepared, by reacting the corresponding metal chloride wit h the ligand in a 1:2 ratio, and characterised by chemical analysis and phy sical measurements. The ligand behaviour and the geometry have been assigne d on the basis of i.r. spectroscopy, electronic reflectance spectra and mol ar conductivity values and only, where possible, the geometry has been conf irmed as octahedral by X-ray structure determination. Complexes cytotoxicit y on a human cellular line of adenocarcinoma was also tested. Three of the complexes present a weak cytotoxicity in vitro.