Ternary Copper(II) Complexes With Indomethacin, a Potent Non-Steroidal Antiinflammatory Drug. Crystal Structure of Bis (Dimethylformamide)-Tetrakis[1-(4-Chlorobenzoyl)-5-Methoxy-2-Methyl-1-H-Indole-3-Acetato]Dicopper(II). Antiinflammatory Properties and Prevention of Gastrointestinal Side Effects by Nanocapsules

Two ternary copper(ll) complexes of indomethacin [1-(4-chlorobenzoyl)-5-methoxy-2- methyl-1-H-indole-3-acetic acid] called hereafter lndo, were prepared and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. The first complex Cu(2)(Indo)(4)(DMF)(2) I crystallizes in space group P-1 (a = 10.829(2), b = 13.379(2), c = 16.491(3) Å; α = 105.58(2), β = 101.06(2), γ = 106.96(2)°; V= 2104.6(6) Å(3), Z= 1). The title molecule is a centrosymmetric binuclear complex, with Cu atoms bridged by the carboxylate moieties of four indomethacinate ligands. The four nearest O atoms around each Cu atom form a square planar arrangement with the square pyramidal coordination completed by the O atom of N,N′-dimethylformamide. Daily administration for seven days of 1 mg/kg of indomethacin, I and I encapsulated into liposomes induces a weak inflammation of rat gastrointestinal tract. I was less inflammatory than indomethacin but the better protection was brought by encapsulation of the compound. This might be of interest in sustained therapies of chronic inflammatory diseases.