Heteroleptic Copper(I)-Based Complexes Incorporating BINAP and π-Extended Diimines: Synthesis, Catalysis and Biological Applications

A series of copper-based photocatalysts of the type Cu(NN)(BINAP)BF(4) were synthesized bearing π-extended diimine ligands. Their behavior in several photocatalytic processes were evaluated and revealed acceptable levels of activity in an SET process, but negligible activity in PCET or ET processes. Suitable activity in ET processes could be restored through modification of the ligand. The BINAP-derived complexes were then evaluated for activity against triple-negative breast cancer cell lines. Controls indicated that copper complexes, and not their ligands, were responsible for activity. Encouraging activity was displayed by a homoleptic complex Cu(dppz)(2)BF(4).