Synthesis, structure, photoluminescence and antitumour activity of zinc complex based on 2-(2-(1H-benzo-[d]imidazol-2-yl)benzyl)-1H-benzo-[d]imidazole

A new complex [Zn(bbb)Cl 2 ]·DMF, where bbb is 2-(2-(1H-benzo[ d ]imidazol-2-yl)benzyl)-1H-benzo[ d ]imidazole, was synthesized and characterized by element analysis, 1 H NMR and X-ray single crystal structure analyses. For complex: crystal system, triclinic, space group, P – 1 , a   =   9.4661(13), b   =   10.3534(14), c   =   13.0025(18)   Å, α   =   73.477(2), β   =   80.743(2), γ   =   88.658(2)°, V   =   1205.5(3)   Å 3 , Z   =   2. In this complex, the Zn 2+ distorted tetrahedron geometry is coordinated by two nitrogen atoms from 2-(2-(1H-benzo[ d ]imidazol-2-yl)benzyl)-1H-benzo[ d ]imidazole and two Cl − . The complex emits yellow green luminescence with the maximal emission peak at 550   nm in DMF solution. The complex exhibits inhibition on the growth of Eca109 cancer cell with IC 50 value of 8.9   ±   1.1   μM, which was lower than that of cisplatin (14.3   ±   1.4   μM). This complex has potential application in treatment of esophageal cancer.