Retracted : A new class of copper(I) complexes with imine‐containing chelators which show potent anticancer activity

Seven novel complexes (C 1 –C 7 ) were synthesized by the interaction between Cu(I) metal cation, L 1 , L 2 , L 3 , X and PPh 3 , where L 1 –L 3 are derivatives of ((pyridine‐2‐ylmethylene)amino)phenol imine ligands and X = Cl − , Br − , I − , NCS − . All the complexes were characterized using infrared, 1 H NMR and 31 P NMR spectroscopies. The crystal structures of C 1 –C 7 were also determined using single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The organization of the crystal structures and the intermolecular interactions are discussed. The supramolecular assemblies are driven by cooperative π…π interactions and hydrogen bonds, followed by CH…π linkages. The potential anticancer effect of C 1 –C 7 was assessed for human glioblastoma cells using several anticancer experiments, which showed that these complexes have marked anticancer property against U87 cells. It was also found that the minimum and maximum anticancer effects are shown by C 3 ‐ and C 4 ‐treated samples, respectively. Furthermore, theoretical approaches were used to investigate the nature of metal–ligand interactions which suggest a closed‐shell and electrostatic character for Cu…N, Cu…P and Cu…X bonds.