Synthesis, X-ray structure, in silico calculation, and carbonic anhydrase inhibitory properties of benzylimidazole metal complexes

Abstract

Three coordination compounds of formula {M(bmim)₂Cl₂} were synthetised (M = Co, Zn, and Hg) and fully characterised. Each complex incorporates 1-benzyl-2-methylimidazole (bmim) as ligand. The coordination polyhedron around the metal center for all complexes has a quasi-regular tetragonal geometry. Density functional theory calculations were carried out on the title compounds and as well on hypothetical complexes (Cu, Ni), in order to elucidate their electronic and molecular structure. The calculations reproduced the Co, Zn, and Hg experimental structures and could predict stable complexes in the case of Ni(II) and Cu(II) ions. The carbonic anhydrase (CA, EC 4.2.1.1) inhibitory effects of the three complexes were investigated. Only compound {Hg(bmim)₂Cl₂} (3) exhibited a modest inhibitory effect against hCA I, probably due to the affinity of Hg(II) for His residues at the entrance of the active site cavity.

Keywords:

• Imidazole
• metal complexes
• X-ray crystallography
• carbonic anhydrase

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Mentouri Brothers University (Algeria). The authors thank MESRS and DGRST for financial support.