Cytotoxicity of Triorganophosphinegold(I) n-Mercaptobenzoates, n = 2, 3 and 4

The results of cytotoxicity trials against a panel of seven human cell lines for a series of triorganophosphinegold(I) 3- and 4-mercaptobenzoates are reported. While the new compounds show moderate to high toxicity, their potencies are inferior to those reported previously for their isomeric 2- mercaptobenzoate derivatives. The results therefore suggest a structure-activity relationship in that the 2-isomeric species are more active, particularly against the non-small cell lung cancer and renal cancer cell lines, results that may indicate some selectivity in their cytotoxic profile.