Platinum(II) complexes of 4-methoxy- and 4-chlorobenzoic acid hydrazides. Synthesis, characterization, and cytotoxic effect.

The complexes [Pt(NH3)(pmbah)Cl2], [Pt(NH3)(pcbah)Cl2], [Pt(pmbah)2X2] and [Pt(pcbah)2X2] (pmbah = 4-methoxybenzoic acid hydrazide, pcbah = 4-chlorobenzoic acid hydrazide; X = Cl, Br, I) have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, electric conductivity, 1H NMR, IR, and electronic spectra. A cis-square planar structure with hydrazide ligands coordinated via the NH2 groups has been proposed for these compounds. The complexes, but not the free ligands, have shown a strong growth inhibitory effect in Friend leukemia cells in vitro, most of which are more active than cisplatin.