Synthesis, Characterization, and Antimicrobial Activity of RhIII and IrIII N-Heterocyclic Carbene Piano-Stool Complexes

A series of Rh-III and Ir(III )piano-stool complexes of the form [(eta(5)- Cp*(R) )M(NHC)Cl-2] was synthesized and characterized, including 12 X-ray crystallographic structures. The antimicrobial properties of these complexes were screened against a variety of microbes, with several achieving high activities, most notably against Mycobacterium smegmatis (MICs as low as 0.45 mu M). In general, the Rh complexes were more potent than their Ir analogues, and activity increased with the hydrophobicity of the Cp*(R) and NHC ligands.

Automated summary

A range of Rh-III and Ir(III) piano-stool complexes were synthesized and characterized, showing high antimicrobial activities against various microbes, particularly Mycobacterium smegmatis. Rh complexes were generally more potent than their Ir analogues, and activity increased with the hydrophobicity of the ligands.