Water-mediated reduction of [Cu(dmp)₂(CH₃CN)]²⁺: implications of the structure of a classical complex on its activity as an anticancer drug

Abstract

[Cu(dmp)₂(CH₃CN)]²⁺ can be reduced in acetonitrile containing water due to steric constraints of the ligands. Hydroxyl radicals are produced from water oxidation. We take advantage of this reaction to evaluate the anticancer activity of the complex.