Copper(II) Pyridyl Aminophenolates: Hypoxia-Selective, Nucleus-Targeting Cytotoxins, and Magnetic Resonance Probes.

Targeting the low-oxygen (hypoxic) environments found in many tumours by using redox-active metal complexes is a strategy that can enhance efficacy and reduce the side effects of chemotherapies. We have developed a series of Cu complexes with tridentate pyridine aminophenolate-based ligands for preferential activation in the reduction window provided by hypoxic tissues. Furthermore, ligand functionalization with a pendant CF group provides a F spectroscopic handle for magnetic-resonance studies of redox processes at the metal centre and behaviour in cellular environments.