Synthesis, characterisation and cytotoxic activity evaluation of new metal-salen complexes based on the 1,2-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane bridge

(R)-1,2-Diaminobicyclo[2.2.2]octane was used as a starting material for the preparation, in solution or ball mill, of salen ligand. Five metal complexes were prepared high yield and their cytotoxic activities evaluated against Human Colon cancer HCT116 cell lines. The original manganese complex displayed highest activity with potency 16 fold higher than that cisplatin, demonstrating benefit bridging backbone compared to other systems. An alternative preparation route this by mechanochemistry also performed.