Search

The article titled "Metal-(Acyclic Diaminocarbene) Complexes Demonstrate Nanomolar Antiproliferative Activity against Triple-Negative Breast Cancer" discusses the use of a palladium compound to target aggressive tumors while sparing normal cells and tissues. The authors draw inspiration from the protective figure of Pallas Athena, which symbolizes the original meaning of the word "palladium." The research article provides more detailed information on this topic and can be accessed using the provided DOI. [Extracted from the article]

Inspection of the X‐ray structures of the newly prepared trans‐[MII(CNXyl)2(DAPT)2]Cl(BF4) (M=Pd, Pt; Xyl=2,6‐Me2C6H3; DAPT=4,6‐diaminopyrimidine‐2(1H)‐thione) complexes and the appropriate Hirshfeld molecular surface analysis allowed the recognition of the previously unknown π‐hole⋅⋅⋅metal interactions between a ligated isocyano group (acting as a π‐hole donor) and the positively charged d8‐PtII and d8‐PdII metal centers (acting as nucleophiles); this is the first identification of π‐hole⋅⋅⋅metal interactions with triple‐bond species. Results of DFT calculations followed by the topological analysis of the electron density distribution within the framework of Bader's theory (quantum theory of atoms in molecules, QTAIM) confirmed the presence of these contacts. The electrostatic surface potential calculations indicated that π‐hole⋅⋅⋅metal contacts are formed upon interaction between the electrophilic isocyano C atom (π‐hole donor) and the nucleophilic dz2 orbital of the metal centers, which act as π‐hole acceptors. Available CCDC data were processed from the perspective of the π‐hole⋅⋅⋅metal interactions with isocyanide ligands, and their analysis disclosed the role of metal nucleophilicity in the corresponding π‐hole acceptor ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]