Metal Complexes with Naphthalene-Based Acetic Acids as Ligands: Structure and Biological Activity

Naproxen (6–methoxy–α–methyl–2–naphthaleneacetic acid), 1–naphthylacetic acid, 2–naphthylacetic acid and 1–pyreneacetic acid are derivatives of acetic acid bearing a naphthalene-based ring. In the present review, the coordination compounds of naproxen, 1– or 2–naphthylacetato and 1–pyreneacetato ligands are discussed in regard to their structural features (nature and nuclearity of metal ions and coordination mode of ligands), their spectroscopic and physicochemical properties and their biological activities.